كارفاخال: تشابي ألونسو أكثر صرامة من أنشيلوتي.. ولا أريد الخوض فيما فعله راموس

تحدث قائد ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، عن الفارق بين مدربه السابق الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي، والمدرب الحالي للفريق تشابي ألونسو.

وعلّق كارفاخال على تعاقد ريال مدريد مع ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد ليشغل مركز الظهير، في ظل الإصابة التي عانى منها اللاعب.

وقال كارفاخال في تصريحات لإذاعة “كوبي” الإسبانية: “لكل مدرب منهجيته الخاصة؛ هناك أجيال مختلفة، مع أنشيلوتي، كنا أكثر حرية؛ كنا نصل متأخرين قليلاً (للتدريبات)، على الرغم من غضبه، تشابي أكثر صرامة وانضباطًا”.

وفيما يتعلق بتعاقد ريال مدريد مع ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد من ليفربول، أفاد: “من المفهوم التعاقد مع أرنولد، كنت في الثانية والثلاثين من عمري وتعرضت لإصابة خطيرة، هذا أمر طبيعي، لن أبقى هنا للأبد، تمر السنوات، وعلينا التعاقد مع مواهب جديدة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كارفاخال: نعاني من لامين يامال.. وطالبت لاعب مانشستر سيتي بالتوقيع لـ ريال مدريد

وعن بقاء زميله داني سيبايوس وعدم رحيله إلى مارسيليا، استطرد كارفاخال: “أثق به ثقة كبيرة، بدا وكأنه سينتقل إلى مارسيليا، لكن الصفقة فشلت في النهاية، تحدث تشابي معه وطلب منه البقاء، مؤكدًا أنه سيعتمد عليه، فالموسم طويل جدًا”.

وأكد: “داني يمنحنا أسلوبًا مختلفًا، فهو يحب الاستحواذ على الكرة، ويمنحنا فرصة التوقف وعدم فقدانها، ويمنحنا بديلًا مختلفًا في وسط الملعب، والمدرب يعلم أنه فريد من نوعه في هذا الجانب”.

كارفاخال تطرق أيضًا للحديث عن أغنية سيرجيو راموس قائد ريال مدريد السابق، والذي دخل عالم الغناء، وأشارت كلمات الأغنية إلى كواليس رحيله عن ريال مدريد ويقول خلالها “هناك أشياء ما زالت تؤلمني، لم أرغب في الرحيل أبدًا، لكن طُلب مني ذلك”.

وأتم: “لا أريد الخوض في التفاصيل، مهما قلتُ، سأواجه صعوبة، لقد كنتُ معه لسنوات طويلة، وأعلم أن الموسيقى مهمة جدًا بالنسبة له، وهو يستمتع بها، أوضح سيرجيو أن رحيله عن النادي هو قراره، وإذا أجرى مقابلةً يومًا ما، فعليه أن يشرح السبب والكيفية”.

 

Scouting Prince Forfor: Columbus Crew’s MLS NEXT All-Star MVP modeling his game after Alphonso Davies and Max Arfsten

GOAL spoke with Forfor about his aspirations as a footballer, and his quick rise through the academy in 2025 into MLS NEXT Pro

Prince Forfor might just be next up. 

A versatile 16-year-old left-sided playmaker, the U.S. youth international and Columbus Crew starlet has burst onto the scene in 2025. This summer, he was named MLS NEXT All-Star MVP and earned Best XI honors at the well esteemed Generation Adidas Cup in his age group, while becoming a topic of conversation around young, budding domestic talent from within the league.

Forfor has already begun to make a name for himself within the MLS NEXT setup. The left back reportedly is generating "a lot of interest from Europe," and is on the radar of scouts and clubs around the world – and for good reason. He's a dynamic player who excels in 1v1 situations, using pace, size, and strength to best the opposing attackers coming at him. On the ball, Forfor told GOAL he "likes to go out, and put pressure on people from the first minute." 

He idolizes Alphonso Davies and aims to follow the path the Canada star took when he left MLS for Europe as a teenager. A former Vancouver Whitecaps Homegrown, Davies broke out as a winger before transitioning to fullback, and in 2025, Forfor has made the same switch – embracing it and making it his own.

"The first step is definitely signing my first contract with the Crew. Definitely start with Crew 2, and then hopefully be able to get a Homegrown contract. I see myself playing in Lower Field in front of the fans, just… creating memories," he said. 

At the All-Star Event in July, he told MLS Season Pass analyst Taylor Twellman that he wants to one day play in Europe. He has already shown strong potential at the youth levels.

GOAL scouts the teenager who could be the next breakout star from the Crew's ranks.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

  • Where it all began

    The Columbus Crew are a standard bearer within MLS – they're an organization that continues to produce results, players, and silverware.

    Legendary figures across the MLS and American soccer scene found their footing within the club, from Chad Marshall and Frankie Hedjuk to Brian McBride, Darlington Nagbe, and Cucho Hernandez. In the modern MLS era, they've been a club that has shown itself to be a launchpad for domestic players to the national team as well.

    Goalkeepers Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen, midfielders Wil Trapp and Aidan Morris, and defender Max Arfsten have all propelled their international careers within the MLS club.

    Now, Forfor is looking to do the same.

    He joined the Crew's ranks as a youth baller and has worked his way up through the system, playing with the U16s and U18s, before moving into their MLS NEXT Pro setup this season. 

    "The Crew, there's a very clear pathway that we see every day, especially with our Homegrown, like our very young Homegrowns, players getting signed, like Tristan Brown, who came from the Academy," Forfor said. "So, I mean, it's a very clear pathway."

    He's earned rave reviews along his way through it all, but 2025 has been the real breakout.

  • Advertisement

  • Columbus Crew

    The big break

    Forfor's big moment came in July, though, when he was informed of his MLS NEXT All-Star selection. All of the hard work, patience, and dedication to the game paid off – though he, himself, didn't expect the call to come. 

    "I mean, that was, that was a very big moment," he explained. "I think that for me, that was one of my goals coming into the season, something I saw the other players did last year, and I thought was a very cool experience. So it was something, I would say, I was kind of surprised. But, I mean, I was, I was very happy to get the call-up."

    Everything proceeded to go to plan, too. In fact, it was a picture-perfect evening, capped off by Forfor being handed the MLS NEXT All-Star MVP award after helping lead the Eastern Conference to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the West. Forfor himself managed to get onto the scoresheet, scoring the fourth goal of the match for the East. 

    "I mean, it was, it was such a great atmosphere in Texas that night," he said. "It was a lot of people in attendance, you know, a lot of people watching you under the lights, you know, stuff you dream of as a kid, you know. So it was a very great experience.

    "I think it kind of, kind of caps off my season on a very good note, because it's something I didn't go into the game, I didn't imagine it, or, like I had zero idea, or even consider that I could win it. So, after the game, when it happened, I was very, very proud. Yeah, it was a very great moment."

  • Biggest strengths

    Forfor's biggest asset is his versatility. He grew up as a forward, but has transitioned to left back, which sees him combine the qualities of both positions into and attacking-minded fullback. 

    In the MLS NEXT All-Star Game this year, his superb goal came from a rising run on the left side of the pitch that saw him instinctually capture a rebound. He appeared in seconds, following the balls trajectory before smashing it into the back of the net. 

    "I think every game I go into I think I try to focus on my first action with the ball, so maybe connecting my first pass and then building off that," he said. "So I think after I connected my first pass, I was able to settle in and then calm myself down and just let the game flow. I mean, when you're playing with talented players around the league, it is easy, you know?"

    His speed and agility are, by all means, an asset – but his intelligence in that moment to make the crashing run is a sign of situational awareness that isn't always present at youth levels.

    For the Crew, he brings a unique presence to the left back position and is becoming a must-watch prospect as a result.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Room for improvement

    Forfor knows he's not a finished product yet. He has a lot to learn, and it's still in the early days of establishing himself within the Crew's ranks and earning his spot, regularly, on their MLS NEXT Pro roster. Still, though, he has lofty goals.

    "I would say, for me, I'll just try to stay with them [Crew 2] as long as possible. I've earned a couple of roster spots. I was able to play a couple of games with them," he said. "So I would say, just keep going with that and try to air myself more minutes and, yeah, break through with the team."

    Versatility can also be a weakness, as attacking-minded defenders may be caught out of position or favor one side of the pitch. Fortunately, Forfor has a role model within the Crew system in Arfsten, and an idol on the world stage he can model his game after in Davies. 

'That is too much!' – Jurrien Timber admits Arsenal forced him to stop going on holiday amid injury recovery

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has claimed the club told him to stop going on holiday after he went to five countries during injury rehabilitation.

Timber went on summer 'world tour'Arsenal told him it was 'too much'Dutch defender set to be fit for Man Utd openerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to , Timber said he "could not sit still" during the summer and continued his injury recovery while on trips to Turkey, Curacao, Miami, Marbella and the Asian hinterlands. Arsenal sent a fitness trainer along with Timber on his world tour before eventually deciding his summer travels had gone on too long, telling the player it was "too much".

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Timber missed the end of the season with an ankle problem and underwent surgery in May. He is now back to fitness and should be ready to face Manchester United in Arsenal's opening Premier League fixture. The 24-year-old made sure to enjoy his summer in the meantime.

WHAT TIMBER SAID

Timber said: "I have seen the whole world in two months. I had surgery at the end of last season, an ankle operation to take something out that was bothering me for a long time towards the of the season, but I feel good now. I could not sit still during the summer to get fit, so I went to a lot of nice places. At the same time I was doing rehab. I have been to Turkey and Curacao, where my mum is from. I went with the family which was nice.

“I went to Miami for a couple of days and also Marbella. It was good – and I went to Asia, of course. I have seen the whole world in two months. Someone was with me from the club and I had more places to go, but the club said, ‘That is too much!’ At the beginning I was on crutches so I could not do much, but when I was off crutches I had someone with me."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Timber will hope to play a key role in the beginning of the Gunners' season, which includes crunch clashes with United, Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United before the end of September.

Timber said: "It is a tough beginning, isn’t it? But I think last season we also had a tough start and it can go both ways. If you start well, it can be amazing. That is the challenge. But I think we also need to have that approach of it being another game we need to win. That is the best way to approach it."

Polícia Civil terá reunião com organizadas de Corinthians e Palmeiras antes do Dérbi

MatériaMais Notícias

A Polícia Civil de São Paulo realizará uma reunião com representantes da Mancha Verde e Gaviões da Fiel antes do clássico entre Corinthians e Palmeiras que acontecerá nesta quinta-feira (16), pela nona rodada da fase de grupos do Campeonato Paulista.

> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2023 clicando aqui

Na semana passada, membros das duas torcidas uniformizadas entraram em conflito no bairro do Ipiranga, em São Paulo. Na ocasião, o Verdão havia jogado às 19h30 da quinta-feira (9), no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo, enquanto o Timão visitou o São Bernardo, no ABC Paulista, no mesmo dia, mas às 21h30. Os palmeirenses fizeram uma emboscada no retorno dos corintianos e houve o enfrentamento que culminou em dois integrantes das Gaviões feridos gravemente. Ambos passaram por cirurgia e seguem internados em estado grave.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalSaiba quem será o árbitro de Corinthians x Palmeiras pelo PaulistãoFutebol Nacional13/02/2023PalmeirasEndrick? Giovani? Opções de ataque do Palmeiras podem dar ‘dor de cabeça boa’ para Abel no DérbiPalmeiras13/02/2023CorinthiansCorinthians inicia venda de ingressos para duelo contra o MirassolCorinthians14/02/2023

O clássico deste meio de semana terá torcida única do Corinthians, por conta da recomendação do Ministério Público de São Paulo, que está em vigência desde 2016.

Já há uma estratégia traçada pela segurança pública paulista para que bases da polícia civil estejam instaladas em pontos estratégicos da cidade.

'Who brings their dad to a fight?' – Alexi Lalas, Tony Meola question Christian Pulisic's father for engaging in verbal back-and-forth

Lalas also pushed back on claims from Pulisic, Tim Weah that ex-USMNT stars criticize players unfairly

  • Lalas dismisses characterization of criticism as "evil"
  • Questions Pulisic involving his father in public disagreement
  • Meola also hit out at Mark Pulisic for jumping into fray
  • WHAT HAPPENED

    Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas questioned Christian Pulisic’s decision to involve his father, Mark, in the back-and-forth between current and ex-national team players, suggesting the forward should handle criticism on his own.

    Despite a summer in which he was entangled in controversy and the subject of harsh criticism, Pulisic maintains he made the right decision to withdraw from the 2025 Gold Cup. In the latest episodes the PULISIC docuseries, his father, Mark, echoed his son's comments and challenged previous USMNT stars to reflect on their own accomplishments before calling out the current team for its struggles.

    "These guys want clicks and social media," Mark Pulisic said in the documentary. "Don't get me wrong, I respect all of them. I mean, they were players that I looked up to. But quite frankly, the guys before us didn't win anything either. I think they should look in the mirror and look at their last performances for the national team before they start talking sh*t.

    "It's jealousy. You know, people want to be in issues, and they'll find any reason to bring him down. But Christian doesn't give a sh*t what anyone says."

    That sparked a response from Lalas.

    “Don't bring your dad to a fight,” Lalas wrote in a column for FOX Sports. “I get that Mark Pulisic, like other dads out there, has been involved directly in bringing up, in this case, Christian. I get that he's a former coach. But who brings their dad to a fight? If you're angry at me or Landon or anybody else who is being critical of you, that's fine.

    “You have a platform, you have a microphone – some would say bigger than anybody else out there – to get that off your chest, but you don't need to bring your dad. Never once has it even occurred to have my father defend me from the slings and arrows that are inevitable, but well done. You got me to watch, and you got exactly what you wanted.”

    Lalas also pushed back on accusations from Pulisic and Tim Weah that ex-U.S. stars criticize players unfairly for attention. He argued that their complaints only fueled the very attention they claimed to resent, while rejecting the suggestion that his analysis crossed into something more sinister.

    “First and foremost, if you're going to accuse people of doing things for clicks and for attention or to watch a show, well played,” Lalas wrote. “That's exactly what you just did, and it's exactly what happened… We are evil? That's a whole other level. I don't feel evil. I don't think that I am, and I don't think that any of the other guys that you may have been referring to are evil in our criticism. But if they were, I sure as hell wouldn't respect them.”

  • Advertisement

  • WHAT TONY MEOLA SAID

    Another U.S. legend, Tony Meola, shares a personal history with Mark Pulisic as they played together. Meola advised him to stay out of the media disputes.

    "I've been friends with Mark Pulisic for a long time. We played together at the youth level. You gotta stay out, Mark," Meola said on the Call it What You Want podcast. “I know you’re a dad, I know you get emotional, your kid is at the top of the heap, right? I’ve got other friends in other major sports in America that their kids right now are in top of the heap.They listen to this all the time about their kids. 

    "You can’t respond. Stay out. Christian is a big boy. He will be able to do this on his own. He will be able to carry this team.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Meola and Lalas’ comments highlight the increasingly tense relationship between current USMNT stars and the previous generation of players who now work in media.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT’S NEXT?

    The USMNT will face immediate tests during the next FIFA international window with friendlies against South Korea on Sept. 6 and Japan on Sept. 9.

'What a night' – Harry Kane shares message after starting Bundesliga season with a stunning hat-trick – the EIGHTH in his time with Bayern Munich – in rout of RB Leipzig

Harry Kane has fired an early warning shot to the Bundesliga with an extraordinary hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s season-opening 6-0 demolition of RB Leipzig. His clinical finishing was on full display as he scored his first goal in the 64th minute, before adding two more in quick succession at the 74th and 77th marks, completing a stunning second-half performance. The match was a ruthless display of Bayern's attacking firepower, with Kane at the heart of it all.

Kane bags a hat-trick in a 6-0 winMessage to Bayern fans after stunning performanceIt was his eighth hat-trick in the BundesligaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱gettyWHAT HAPPENED?

With his stunning hat-trick against Leipzig, Kane now has a total of eight hat-tricks for Bayern in the Bundesliga, more than any other player in Europe’s top 5 leagues in the same time frame. Moreover, he also equalled his total number of Premier League hat-tricks, a remarkable achievement considering he spent his entire career at Spurs before the transfer to Germany, a couple of seasons back. 

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT KANE SAID

After the match, Kane took to social media to express his joy and gratitude to Bayern Munich supporters. In a post-match message, he said: "Hi guys, just got home after an amazing night at the Allianz. First game of the season, 6-0 win. Yeah, it was just from start to finish, it was just a really enjoyable game to be a part of. Obviously delighted to get the first hat-trick of the season. Here's the ball, few signatures from the boys. But yeah, perfect start.

"So yeah, we stay focused, cup game midweek and then a tough away game next weekend. So, everyone, enjoy your weekend. Thanks for the support as always, and we'll see you soon."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane has had a wonderful start to the campaign as he netted in the DFL Supercup final against VFB Stuttgart last weekend to inspire the Bavarians to an early silverware. On Friday evening, he built on that momentum to warn the rivals that the Bundesliga title is going to be theirs to lose.

“We wanted to send a statement from the first game at home, and that’s what we did today,” said Kane after the final whistle. “We performed at a very high level and were efficient. We won 6-0 so we can’t complain. After half-time, we were 3-0 up, I said to myself that I need to get on the scoresheet.”

'They're in the sh*t!' – Tyson Fury shockingly admits he's GIVEN UP on Man Utd after years of struggles at Old Trafford

Tyson Fury has admitted that he's given up on Manchester United amid a "sh*t" period for the club that has been going on for years. Once a proud and vocal supporter of the Red Devils, the former two-time heavyweight boxing champion now insists he’d rather spend his time at the racetrack than endure United’s misery.

  • Fury ditches Man United for racing
  • Boxing legend blasts Reds’ ongoing decline
  • Amorim struggles as Old Trafford crisis deepens
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Fury spent Bank Holiday Monday at Cartmel Racecourse cheering on two of his horses and made it brutally clear where his loyalties now lie: not with Ruben Amorim’s stuttering tenure and not even with England’s national side. It marks a dramatic shift for a man who once threw himself into the world of football fandom.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images Entertainment

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    At Euro 2016, Fury was spotted among England’s travelling army of supporters in France. Over the years, he’s also made multiple trips to Old Trafford, often seated in plush company, including alongside the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson during United’s unforgettable 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool in March 2024.

    But while United went on to lift the FA Cup that season, the glory didn’t last. Ten Hag’s sacking and the arrival of Ruben Amorim promised change, yet the Portuguese boss has endured a nightmare start in Manchester. His side have managed just 28 points from their last 29 Premier League matches, form more befitting a relegation scrap than a powerhouse.

  • WHAT FURY SAID

    Speaking to Racing TV during his day at the track, the 'Gypsy King' didn’t mince his words.

    "I'm not a supporter of football really," Fury said. "I used to support United, but because they're in the sh*t now, I'm no supporter of any football teams anymore.

    "I used to support England as well, but when they lost to Iceland in the Euros in 2016, that was me and football completely done with. Now I'm into horse racing, get up!"  

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

    After a frustrating draw with Fulham last time out, the Red Devils are staring down another crucial fixture, a Carabao Cup second-round tie against Grimsby Town on Wednesday. After that, they will shift their attention to more Premier League action when they host Burnley on August 30. 

Eleito melhor em campo, Weverton celebra vitória do Palmeiras sem gols sofridos: 'É o objetivo do goleiro'

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu o RB Bragantino, pelo Campeonato Paulista, por 2 a 0. Com gols de Rony e Breno Lopes, um dos destaques da partida ficou longe de balançar as redes. O goleiro Weverton, eleito o melhor da partida, alcançou a sétima partida do Verdão sem tomar gols no estadual e falou sobre a importância de não manter a meta intacta.

– Éo objetivo do goleiro. É uma noite muito feliz para mim quando a equipe ganha e não tomamos o gol. O objetivo é sair com a vitória e a baliza zero. A vitória veio com muita luta e competência da equipe. Estou muito feliz de poder ter ajudado a equipe e ser escolhido o melhor em campo – declarou o goleiro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras e Abel Ferreira destinam lucro com venda de camisas para vítimas das chuvas no litoral nortePalmeiras22/02/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras quer definir chegada de Andrey antes de buscar outros reforçosPalmeiras21/02/2023Fora de CampoMancha Verde é vice-campeã do Carnaval de São Paulo; Mocidade Alegre fica com o títuloFora de Campo21/02/2023

+ATUAÇÕES: Rony decide novamente e é o melhor em vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Bragantino

Além da defesa forte e da baixa quantidade de gols levados, um trunfo do Palmeiras é a jogada de bola parada. Questionado sobre essa potência do Alviverde, Weverton comentou acerca da consistência desse lance.

Essa é uma característica nossa também. A gente perdeu um grande batedor de falta, que é o Scarpa. Óbvio que ter um bom batedor faz diferença, mas manter o nível na bola parada mostra que é trabalho – concluiu o camisa 21.

Agora, o Palmeiras se prepara para encarar, pela 11ª rodada do Paulistão, a Ferroviária. O duelo acontecerá no próximo domingo (26), a partir das 18h30, no Allianz Parque.

Dani Ceballos deal off! Marseille president confirms end of transfer talks after Real Madrid midfielder requests time to consider offer

Marseille have ended their pursuit for Dani Ceballos after the player showed doubts over leaving Real Madrid for the Ligue 1 side.

Marseille no more interested in CeballosMidfielder unsure about joining Ligue 1Real Betis are planning to move for SpaniardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Marseille and Madrid were close to reaching an agreement for the transfer of Ceballos. However, the midfielder's doubts and view that the move may be a step back in his career prompted the French club to withdraw their offer, according to . The 29-year-old wants to stay at the club and fight for his position in Xabi Alonso's team or find a better offer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ceballos has fallen further down the pecking order at Madrid since Xabi Alonso's arrival, but he has not given up on his dream of securing regular playing time in the Spanish capital. He is also eager to earn his place in Spain's World Cup squad, meaning he must find a solution to his current predicament. It appears a move to Marseille is off the table, though, as the French club's president confirmed an end to the talks.

WHAT MARSEILLE SAID?

President Pablo Longoria was asked about the Ceballos case on Wednesday, telling a journalist: "We were interested, to be honest, but, well… There are certain circumstances that you as a club can't control, right? And above all, as always, Real Madrid is a gentleman's club and has always behaved well."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Ceballos has already flirted with a move back to Betis this summer and the club are eager to bring their former youth star back, but the economic terms of the deal make it difficult. However, Madrid would accept a bid in the range of €10 million for Ceballos and this payment can be divided into terms as well, giving a boost to the Andalusian club.

Ousmane Dembele reveals ‘dreams’ advice from Lionel Messi as PSG superstar looks to emulate Ballon d’Or success of ex-Barcelona team-mate

Ousmane Dembele has revealed the “dreams” advice he was given by Lionel Messi as the PSG superstar looks to land a Ballon d’Or of his own.

  • Frenchman moved to Camp Nou in 2017
  • Spent four seasons alongside Argentine GOAT
  • Hoping to win his own Golden Ball
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    France international Dembele is a World Cup and Champions League winner, but he could soon be recognised as the best player on the planet. His exploits in 2024-25 are considered to make him a serious contender to collect a prestigious Golden Ball.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty/GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Such success felt a long way off when experiencing form and fitness issues at Barcelona. The 28-year-old did, however, have the perfect mentor at Camp Nou. Dembele linked up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi when joining Barca from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He was handed a locker next to the Argentine GOAT.

  • WHAT DEMBELE SAID

    Dembele made a point of taking as many lessons as possible from Messi, telling of his experiences in Catalunya: “I had a very good relationship with Messi from the very first day. My locker was right next to his, and he gave a lot of advice to me. He was someone who instinctively knew what you wanted. He told me that I’d have to be serious if I wanted to achieve my dreams – after that, I watched and learned from what he did on the pitch.

    “Whether he played as a number 10 or number nine, his positioning was exceptional, the way he seemed to make himself invisible on the pitch. Sometimes you don’t seem to see him for about four or five minutes, then as soon as he gets the ball, he instinctively knows what to do.

    “Messi would know when Jordi Alba was going to double up front with him, when he was going to put the ball in. He understands football really well, positions himself very well on the pitch and you know – we all know – what he can do with his feet.”

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Dembele and Messi made 95 appearances together for Barca across four seasons, prior to the latter’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, and the Frenchman added when asked if he will one day tell his two-year-old daughter about playing alongside the all-time great: “I am already telling her now!”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus