Morning Briefing: Cubarsí Wins Golden Boy, FPL Leaks Spark Premier League Panic & Van Dijk Pulls Out

In the latest football round-up: Pau Cubarsí has claimed the prestigious 2026 Golden Boy award, while Chelsea are in turmoil over injury leaks via FPL. Elsewhere, the Netherlands suffer a major blow as Virgil van Dijk withdraws, and Real Madrid dominate La Liga's October awards.

Premier League: Internal unrest and injury blows

The Chelsea hierarchy have sent a stern warning email after Joao Pedro's injury news was leaked via Fantasy Premier League ahead of their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.

New signing Morgan Rogers, valued at £117m, alongside several club staff members, simultaneously transferred Joao Pedro out of their FPL teams just before the deadline.

Veteran defender Virgil van Dijk (35) has officially withdrawn from the Netherlands Nations League squad to return to Liverpool for treatment ahead of their crucial clash on 22 November.

La Liga: Barcelona and Real Madrid dominate monthly awards

Barcelona's 19-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsí has beaten off stiff competition to claim the prestigious 2026 Golden Boy award.

The FIFPRO 2026 World 11 highlights La Liga's dominance, featuring superstars Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid secured an October awards double as Kylian Mbappé was named Player of the Month after netting 4 goals in 3 games, while José Mourinho scooped the Manager of the Month award.

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal scooped the Goal of the Month award for October with a sensational curling effort against Real Betis on 17 October.

Transfer News: Real Madrid hold all the cards in Nico Paz race

Como midfielder Nico Paz (22) has emerged as a target for Arsenal following his impressive displays in the Champions League.

Real Madrid hold a massive advantage thanks to a €80m (£68m) buy-back clause which becomes active in the summer of 2027.

For other suitors, Como are holding out for a minimum fee of €100m (£85m).