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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! This year, all roads lead to New Jersey for Julys World Cup final nothing is certain in life, but it looks likely to be the last global tournament for two of the best players ever, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both have graced the game at the very highest level, but time catches up with us all Ronaldo turns 41 this February, while Messi celebrates his 39th birthday during the World Cup itself. Its likely to be their last hurrah, but dont discount either of them lifting the trophy on July 19 Portugal and Argentina will both be strong contenders in North America.
Ronaldo also has his sights set on another big milestone becoming the first player in history to officially score 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese forward has been a phenomenon since he first broke through at Sporting in 2002 pretty much from that day on, his goalscoring figures have been off the charts, from Manchester United to Real Madrid and beyond.
That scoring form has continued since he made his high-profile move to Al Nassr, exactly three years ago in this issue, we look at how Ronaldo has moved ever closer to a remarkable milestone.
Elsewhere, we also chart footballs rich list and crown the wealthiest person in the sport, as well as taking a trip to LA to see the best place on Earth to watch the beautiful game on a big screen. Enjoy the mag.
Cristiano Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals
Three years since Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, hes laser-focused on hitting another milestone 2026 will see him play his last World Cup and further his quest to become the first player to officially score 1,000 career goals. As those who know him tell FFT, he wont be retiring until hes done it.
Granit Xhaka: Im a football freak
After helping Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title, Xhaka has been key in Sunderlands bid to become the first promoted side for three years to avoid an instant Championship return he explains why Mikel Arteta saved his career.
The football rich list
FFT counts down the 50 wealthiest people associated with the beautiful game featuring the founder of MLS, a Kazakh in Wycombe and a winger in Thailands top tier
The unlikely trendsetter
Tony Pulis hasnt always been universally popular, but hes the unexpected inspiration for a new top-flight trend this season he tells FFT why hes happy to be a style icon, right down to a surprise acting debut.
Hollywood meets Sunderland
LAs planetarium-inspired Cosm has been acclaimed as the worlds best place to watch football on a big screen following in the footsteps of Danny DeVito, FFT headed there to learn what all the fuss is about.
The Boys A Bit Special
We feature Fulhams phenom, the next Pedri and a Balkan obelisk in our latest scouting report.
Henry Winter meets James Garner
The revered football writer chats to an Everton star whos been in the form of his life and is eyeing up a place in Thomas Tuchels England squad.
From the Vault: The Lutz Pfannenstiel story
Aberdeens new sporting director had arguably the maddest career in history back in 2011, he told FFT all about it, from falling for the Crazy Gangs pranks to keeping a penguin in his bathtub.
Michael Laudrup answers YOUR questions
The much-loved Dane talks about winning Barcelonas first European Cup, crossing the El Clasico divide and why he has no regrets about missing Denmarks Euro 92 triumph.
Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland
WSL legend Jordan Nobbs on her Newcastle homecoming, an up-and-down England career and the ticking off she received from an Arsenal great.
Worlds best sup-paw-ters: Scottish club Cowdenbeath have become the first to sell season tickets for your canine chum.
Rotherham diehard Luke Howdle remembers a Wembley wondergoal, an expensive flop and the Chuckle Brothers in Best & Worst, while Margate player-boss Ben Greenhalgh tells us how he went from non-league to Jose Mourinhos Inter and back again.
You cant win anything with kids: We look back at 10 years of academy teams playing in the EFL Trophy with former England striker Emile Heskey.
The Mixer
Gifted some cash from your relatives over Christmas? Get ready to spend it in this months merch round-up, featuring Legos build-your-own World Cup, retro German gear and the Adidas Predators latest evolution.
Upfront
Prove your status as a football brainiac with this months quiz before reading why TNT Sports Jules Breach is revelling in the magic of the FA Cup this season.
Jermaine Pennant shares the games that changed his life, while team FFT hash out the Premier Leagues best ever January transfer in the big debate. Comedian Maisie Adam reveals her wedding gift from Mauricio Pochettino and why she let Georgia Stanway ink her in My Football.
Ange Postecoglou at Watford?! Its one of many bold FFT predictions for 2026 One-Man Show relives David Beckhams masterclass against Greece, Sol Campbell tells us which theoretical physicist hed love to challenge at chess, and we prepare for the maiden OFC Pro League season.
In the Players Lounge this month
Gaizka Mendieta explains why he fell out with Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough, John Carver tells the story of how he snuck Bobby Robson out of hospital for fish and chips, and Michael Mols opens up on having major surgery for a brain tumour.
Perfect XI
Brian McClair selects a side filled with Manchester United and Celtic legends, plus a beloved commentator.
