Ibrahima Konate is reportedly in advanced talks with Real Madrid over a move to the Spanish giants following the end of his contract with Liverpool.

According to reports, the France international is close to agreeing personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a proposed transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu after becoming a free agent at the end of June.

Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that Konate would be leaving the club when his current contract expires, bringing an end to a successful four-year spell at Anfield.

The 27-year-old defender had been engaged in negotiations over a contract extension, but discussions ultimately broke down due to differences between the player and the club regarding his valuation and salary expectations.

Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 in a deal worth approximately £35 million and went on to establish himself as a key figure in the team’s defence.

During his time at Liverpool, he made 183 appearances in all competitions and helped the club win the Premier League, the FA Cup and two League Cup titles.

Should the move be completed, Konate would become the second Liverpool player in consecutive years to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish club last summer.

The potential signing would further strengthen Real Madrid’s defensive options as the club continues to refresh its squad with established international talent and players entering their prime years.

Predicting the winner of a World Cup is one of the most dangerous games in football. Every tournament arrives with surprises, underdogs, heartbreaks, and moments nobody sees coming. Yet, if I had to put my money on two countries right now, I would choose Portugal and Brazil.

My reasons have less to do with statistics and more to do with something football fans often underestimate: motivation and leadership.

Portugal: Ronaldo’s Last Dance

For Portugal, the story begins with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will almost certainly be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has achieved nearly everything possible. Multiple league titles, Champions League trophies, individual awards, and countless records have cemented his place among the greatest players to ever play the game.

Yet one achievement still separates him from his greatest rival in football history.

Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo did not.

Football is often driven by emotion, and few images from the last World Cup were more powerful than Ronaldo walking off the pitch in tears after Portugal’s elimination. It was the reaction of a player who knew another opportunity might never come.

Now, 2026 presents one final chance.

Ronaldo has built an entire career on proving doubters wrong and chasing goals that others considered impossible. If there is one thing football fans know about him, it is that motivation has never been a problem.

What makes Portugal especially dangerous is that the squad understands what this tournament means to him. Players often rally around a shared purpose, and there may be no bigger mission than helping one of football’s greatest legends complete the only chapter missing from his story.

Portugal already possesses a talented squad filled with players competing at the highest levels of European football. Add the emotional fuel of Ronaldo’s final World Cup, and they become a serious contender.

Brazil: The Ancelotti Factor

My reason for choosing Brazil is much simpler.

Carlo Ancelotti.

Few managers in football history can match what Ancelotti has accomplished. His trophy cabinet speaks for itself, but what truly separates him is his ability to manage world-class talent and get the best out of superstar players.

Time and again, he has succeeded where others have failed.

Club football and international football are very different environments. Managers have less time with players, fewer training sessions, and less control over day-to-day development. Many great club coaches have struggled to adapt.

But if there is someone capable of bridging that gap, it is Ancelotti.

Brazil already has an endless production line of talent. Their challenge has never been finding great players. Their challenge has been finding the right formula to transform individual brilliance into a World Cup-winning team.

If Ancelotti can bring the same calm leadership, tactical flexibility, and winning mentality that made him a Champions League legend, Brazil could become the most dangerous team in the tournament.

And if that happens, the rest of the football world may find itself dancing samba alongside the Brazilians.

Final Thoughts

Every World Cup creates its own story. Injuries, form, luck, and momentum can change everything overnight.

Argentina, France, England, Spain, and several other nations will have strong arguments for lifting the trophy in 2026.

Still, when I look ahead to the tournament, two teams stand out.

Portugal has the emotional power of Ronaldo’s final quest for football immortality.

Brazil has the managerial genius of Carlo Ancelotti guiding one of the most talented squads on earth.

For those reasons, my prediction is simple:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner will be Portugal or Brazil.

Former England midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable 24-year career that saw him become the Premier League’s all-time appearance holder.

The versatile midfielder, who turned 40 this year, leaves the game after his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion expired following three seasons at the club.

Milner’s retirement concludes one of the longest and most successful careers in English football history. In February, he became the player with the most appearances in Premier League history, eventually finishing with 654 matches in the competition.

The former England national football team international represented six clubs in the English top flight and collected numerous major honours during his career.

After emerging through the academy at Leeds United, Milner went on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Among his achievements were three Premier League titles—two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool—as well as the 2019 UEFA Champions League triumph with Liverpool.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Milner reflected on the highlights of a career that spanned more than two decades.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups,” he said.

“But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”

Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds United in November 2002 at the age of 16, becoming the second-youngest player to appear in the competition at the time.

Just a month later, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, a record that has since been surpassed by Max Dowman and James Vaughan.

On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England after making his senior debut while at Aston Villa in 2009. He represented his country at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships before retiring from international football.

Although injuries limited his involvement during the 2024-25 campaign, Milner returned to feature in 22 matches across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. His final Premier League appearance came in Brighton’s last game of the campaign, helping the club secure European qualification for only the second time in its history.

Reflecting on his journey, Milner said: “From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on.

“Right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.”