BBC Sport looks at how Alvaro Arbeloa has managed to get the best out of the Real Madrid squad since his appointment in January.
Is it really a lifelong pledge of loyalty? BBC Sport asks whether a fan can really stop supporting their football team.
Manchester United are showing interest in signing the AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka. The 26-year-old has been a reliable performer in the Italian league, and he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League as well.
Canada drew 2-2 with Iceland after Jonathan David converted two second‑half penalties Tajon Buchanan was sent off in the 80th minute for an elbow, marking
Japan beat Scotland 1-0 in Glasgow thanks to Junya Ito’s 84th‑minute strike in a World Cup warm‑up Coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his team’s tactical adaptability
An action-packed Saturday with six matches in the National Women’s Soccer League saw historic moments for expansion sides, a couple of goals from 18-year-old
Belgium beat the United States 5-2 in Atlanta, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches Weston McKennie put the US ahead in the 39th minute; Patrick
Mexico welcome Portugal for an international friendly match Football returns to the Estadio Azteca for the first time in two years Cristiano Ronaldo missing
It has been quite a frustrating 2nd half for both the teams as they try to find avenues to score goals. Mexico has looked rusty right from the start while Portugal remain impotent in front of the post.
Striker Alessia Russo nets a first-half hat-trick as Arsenal beat north London rivals Tottenham 5-2 in front of a crowd of more than 46,000 fans at Emirates Stadium.
The North Londoners desperately need their primary goalkeeper focused entirely on domestic survival rather than bizarre overseas television scandals. Igor Tudor demands absolute focus during this terrifying relegation battle.
Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with central midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window. One can understand why another central midfielder might be brought in after the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January.
Youri Tielemans joined his country almost as soon as he returned to competitive football. The 28-year-old Aston Villa midfielder recently recovered from a major ankle injury.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke takes positives from his side's friendly defeat by Japan at Hampden, but expresses disappointment at the boos that accompanied the full-time whistle.
Manchester City's James Trafford remains a potential target for Newcastle, Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, plus more.
Scotland were too flat and timid in defeat by Japan as the clock ticks towards their World Cup return, writes Tom English.
With Arsenal chasing a place in next season's Champions League, England striker Alessia Russo has hit form at just the right time - as her 22-minute Women's Super League hat-trick against Tottenham proves.
Did England manager Thomas Tuchel judge this international break correctly by naming such a large squad? Or was it a missed opportunity?
Watch the best of the action from Hampden as Junya Ito's 84th-minute strike consigns Scotland to defeat in their first World Cup warm-up friendly.
National League sides Southend and Wealdstone will meet at Wembley in the FA Trophy final after wins over National League North opponents.
Ten-player Liverpool hold on for their first Women's Super League away win of the season with a hard-fought victory over local rivals Everton at Goodison Park.
Senegal parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before Saturday's friendly match against Peru in Paris - despite being stripped of the title earlier this month.
Manchester City's manager Andree Jeglertz says he "enjoyed" his side's performance in a dominating win at Manchester United that edges them closer to a first WSL title in a decade.
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Chris Brunt questions the wisdom of Uefa for making Michael O'Neill's side play Wales in a "complete dead rubber" friendly on Tuesday.
Larne beat Cliftonville 2-0 to move six points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership table as nearest challengers Glentoran draw 1-1 with rivals Linfield.
Vivianne Miedema's double helps Manchester City edge closer to the Women's Super League title with a comfortable derby win over neighbours United.
Craig McLeish will continue as St Mirren interim manager until the end of the season, the Scottish Premiership club have confirmed.
Tottenham should not appoint former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi because of his support for Mason Greenwood, says a women's fans group.
Jordan Henderson says England players will support Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by fans at Wembley in Friday's 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Charly Musonda could have been a household name but his story is one of frustration and unfulfilled potential.