Xabi Alonso, the outgoing Bayer Leverkusen boss, is wasting no time after his exit. The 43-year-old Spaniard just announced he’s leaving Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 season, but instead of kicking back for a well-earned break, he’s diving straight into his next chapter with Real Madrid.

Alonso has inked a three-year deal to take the reins at the LaLiga powerhouse, stepping into the shoes of Carlo Ancelotti, who’s off to coach Brazil’s national team soon. According to a post from  @COPE on X, Alonso’s so eager to get started that he’s scrapping his vacation plans. His goal? Hit the ground running at the Santiago Bernabeu and get Los Blancos ready for the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni just stirred the pot by naming the world’s best footballer—and it’s not his captain, Lionel Messi. While Scaloni insists Messi is in a league of his own, he pointed to a new generation of stars as the game’s current elite.

In a lively chat on Siro Lopez’s YouTube channel, Scaloni sidestepped Messi, calling him “one of a kind,” and instead shouted out Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez as the top dogs right now.

At 37, Messi’s still a force, racking up 10 goals and three assists in 15 matches for Inter Miami this season. With eight Ballon d’Ors and a record 46 trophies from his Barcelona and PSG days, the Argentine legend’s legacy is untouchable.

It was bound to happen eventually—Real Madrid’s star-studded squad is beginning to feel the pressure of change. Since Kylian Mbappé’s high-profile arrival, the club’s attacking lineup has been shaken, and one of their own may be heading for the exit.

Rodrygo, the talented Brazilian winger who has played a key role in Madrid’s recent successes, is reportedly unhappy with his current situation. His minutes have dropped significantly, and it’s becoming clear that the club’s tactical focus is shifting. With Mbappé now leading the line and Jude Bellingham thriving just behind him, Rodrygo has found himself on the sidelines more often than he’d like.

The changes haven’t just affected his time on the pitch. Reports suggest that the chemistry in the locker room is also being tested. There’s talk of a growing distance between Rodrygo and his fellow Brazilian Vinícius Júnior, which has only fueled speculation about a possible move. Rodrygo’s frustration is understandable. He’s spent years proving his worth at the Bernabéu, delivering big performances on major nights. But with the team being rebuilt around newer stars, it seems his role is no longer a priority. That reality is pushing him to consider his options.

Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City, are believed to be monitoring the situation closely. With his talent and experience, Rodrygo would be a valuable addition to any top European side. For Real Madrid, this is a reminder of how tricky it can be to balance ambition with stability. Bringing in a player like Mbappé was always going to shake things up—but it may also cost them one of their own.