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MatchOfTheDay_20260225_Issue746

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10 MATCH ATTAX EXTRA CARDS INCLUDES LIMITED EDITION Cards may vary from those shown. Topps Europe Limited, MK8 0AW

MATCH DAY

The Prem'sier League ER BEST PLAY ! REVEALED

THE UK'S BEST-SELLING FOOTY MAG!

WORLD BOOK DAY INSPO! VINICIUS JR'S NEW NIKES! EPIC QUIZZES & ACTIVITIES! HARRY KANE'S 500 GOALS!

!t IorN W Rashf d shir

THE SISICKCKES ESTT BOOTS OF 2026!

& book bu13ndboleoks!

WOW! Includes

But who is wearing them?

S! C I P M Y L O L

THE

LIONESSES LIONE ES WORLD CUP DREAM!

9 POSTERS! TROPHY CHASER

PREM STA20R25S-26! ★

D o e s YO hero makUeR the list? Issue 746 £4.99 25 Feb – 10 Mar 2026


THE COOL EST THINGS IIN FOOT Y RIGHT R NOW! N

Y H A R R0 0 ! 5 HITS

CAN'T. STOP.

KANE! HARRY KANE is at it again! The Bayern Munich bagsman is back ripping up the record books after becoming the first EVER Englishman to score 500 goals for club and country. Kane reached the landmark in his 743rd appearance – that’s ten matches fewer than it took goalscoring GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo to hit the same number of goals. The England captain is the best goalscorer in the world right now!

2

MY

Just how g H a rr y K a noeo d is ?

RATI NG! /10

Keep up to date with the latest news at bbc.co.uk/football Keep up to date with all the latest footy news at bbc.co.uk/football


JAKE SAYS Exactly

100 of Kane’s 50 goals have come from 0 career Watch Harry do it and sethe spot. can match his penalty e if you precision!

HIS SCORING STORY! Team

HARRY HAS scored for all kinds of teams to get to the top! Goals Games

LEICESTER 2 15 LEYTON ORIENT 5 18 MILLWALL 9 27 ENGLAND 78 112 BAYERN MUNICH 126 131 TOTTENHAM 280 435

3


THE COOL EST THINGS IN FOOT Y RIGHT NOW!

H S E R F S! K C I K

STAMP OF APPROVAL! Check out the epic Vini logo that’s included on the heel!

VINI'S NEW

VIBE!

DEFENDERS, TAKE NOTE – this is as close as you’re going to get to Vinicius Jr’s signature boots. Nike have dropped a brand-new pair of Mercurial Vapors for the Real Madrid ace – and now it's time to watch them light up La Liga and the Champions League in a blur of pink and blue. Vini already has 11 goals and 11 assists this season – could these boots help fire Madrid to league and European glory?

4

For all the latest European news and scores, go to bbc.co.uk/football Keep up to date with all the latest footy news at bbc.co.uk/football


! S K R A M ON YOUR VINI IS one of footy’s fastest players, but where would you rank his speed in a race against this list of super speedsters? Rank them 1-5!

MICKY VAN DE VEN Tottenham

KYLIAN MBAPPE Real Madrid

ADAMA TRAORE West Ham

ACHRAF HAKIMI PSG

rid Ra te th e Re al Mheadel s! st ar’s ne w w

MY RATI NG! /10

VINICIUS JR Real Madrid

Check out his teammate Jude Bellingham’s new boots on page 40! 5


ROONEY NEEEYY RROONEY RO OO ON O N EY ROO'S RROONEY ROO OOO EYY RROONEY RO OOONEY OO ONNNEEYY THE COOL EST THINGS IN FOOT Y RIGH T NOW!

’S D N A E N G LU R E ? FUT

THIS?

"ROOOONEY, ROOOONEY!" But this time, the chants aren’t for Wayne Rooney – Man. United's all-time top scorer – they're for his 16-year-old son Kai. Rooney Jr recently made his first competitive appearance at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup. It’s ten years since his dad inspired the Red Devils to FA Cup glory. Will Kai repeat the legendary levels of his famous footy father?

FAMILYLY ALBUM BABY ROONEY made his first appearance at Old Trafford with his dad 15 yyears ago!

KAI’S ALREADY had his hands on the Prem trophy, posing with Pops!

KAI crush any of Wayne Rooney’s ROONEY’S RECORDS WILL records? Write your predictions in each box!

DAD 5 Premier League titles 253 goals for Man. United 17 years old – England’s youngest scorer

6

SON Premier League titles Total goals for Man. United Age he'll score his first England goal

For all the latest footy news and results, go to bbc.co.uk/football


a n o l e c r a b Cut out & keep your fave posters!

M AG A

OF T HE

ZINE

MATCH DAY DA AY

A G I L A L

chasing…


THE

M Y L O L E H T zone!

Oh no! Simons is on the slide with Spurs!

bobsleigharaes

o guim STAR: brunLT: 1oth RESU

SNOWB OA STAR: X RD BIG AIR AVI SIM ONS RESULT: 17TH

Brrrruno – he’s taken his team, err… downhill!

FIGURE S STAR: E KATING: ME RLIN N’S GH RESULT : DISQU AALAND ALIFIED

Erl’s fluffed his footwork – his ponytail’s planted on the ice!

8

Top twizzles from Trev and strong by Sanch! Not seen a lift like that since the Club World Cup!

ES DOUBL : G N I T SKA lobah FIGURE revoh Cha ez STAR: T obert Sanch and R SULT: gold RE


S ! C I P M

The Winter Olympics are over – time for these footy stars to swap their studs for the slopes! ag’s der OTD m r With sMt snowboa e i h c scrat

lama! L A L Adam

g ski jumpin mpadu

na STAR: etha : 15th RESULT

This guy has landed at Old Trafford! A late winner!

Solid position – but could land in the Championship!

SNOWB O STAR: M ARD CROSS atheus Cunh RESULT: gold a

CU

STAR: Y RLING OA RESULT NE WISSA : 1OTH

Oh, Cucs! There’s no such thing as Olympic penguining. Waddle back to the Bridge!

INING U G N E CP a OLYMPI rc cucurell a ed STAR: MT: disqualifi RESUL

Nice sweeper system – just not clinical enough!

9


E H T T O P S

! E C N E R E F F I D CAN YOU FIND the TEN changes we’ve made to re the bottom pictung? of PSG celebrati Good luck!

Tick each swap as you spot them!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

YOUR SCORE

n /10 11

ANSWERS!


TOP

50 PREMIER LEAGUE

PLAYERS OF THE SEASON!

RANKED! There are more than 500 players in the Prem – the best league in the world – but who's been the best this season? It's time to find out! 12


TURN OVER to see who's made our list


TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

50 COLE PALMER Club Chelsea

Country England Age 23 Position Forward

49 NORDI MUKIELE Club Sunderland

Country France Age 28 Position Right-back

48 MATHEUS CUNHA Club Man. United Country Brazil Age 26 Position Forward

47 JARROD BOWEN Club West Ham

40

MOHAMEDD SALAH

Club Liverpool Country Egypt Age 33 Position Forward

It hasn’t been a classic Salah season, but he’s still the Reds’ top assister. Oh, and remember his last-minute winner against Burnley?

38 8

Country England Age 29 Position Forward

44 EZRI KONSA Club Aston Villa

Country England Age 28 Position Centre-back

43 YOURI TIELEMANS Club Aston Villa

Country Belgium Age 28 Position Midfielder

42 ELI JUNIOR KROUPI Club Bournemouth Country France Age 19 Position Striker

41 BOUBACAR KAMARA Club Aston Villa Country France Age 26 Position Midfielder

14

MARC CUCURELLA

Club Chelsea Country Spain Age 27 Position Left-back

Cucu has had a glow-up on the left flank. He’s gone from inconsistent to one of the best attacking full-backs in the league!

JACK GREALISH

Club Everton Country England Age 30 Position Winger

37

Country Brazil Age 34 Position Midfielder

Country Croatia Age 24 Position Defender

39

Only two players have made more Prem assists than JG this season. It’s such a shame he’s injured for a while now!

46 CASEMIRO Club Man. United 45 JOSKO GVARDIOL Club Man. City

TOP 50 PREM PLAYE

TIJJANI REIJNDERSS

Club Man. City Country Netherlands Age 27 Position Midfielder

City’s new Dutch dominator is loving life at the Etihad. He’s as hard to defend against as his name is to spell. No cap!

36 GRANIT XHAKA

Club Sunderland Country Switzerland Age 33 Position Midfielder Ledge leadership, pinpoint passing and attacking impact – Granit’s brought it all to the Black Cats this season!


ERS OF THE SEASON

TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

35 TREVOH CHALOBAH Club Chelsea

Country England Age 26 Position Centre-back

34 RYAN GRAVENBERCH Club Liverpool Country Netherlands Age 23 Position Midfielder

33 DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN Club Leeds Country England Age 28 Position Striker

32 PHIL FODEN Club Man. City Country England Age 25 Position Forward

31 JAMES GARNER Club Everton

Country England Age 24 Position Midfielder

30 ROBIN ROEFS Club Sunderland

Country Netherlands Age 23 Position Goalkeeper

29 NICO O’REILLY Club Man. City

Country England Age 20 Position Left-back

28 FLORIAN WIRTZ Club Liverpool

Country Germany Age 22 Position Forward

27 DAVID RAYA Club Arsenal Country Spain Age 30 Position Goalkeeper

26 ELLIOT ANDERSON Club Nottingham Forest

Country England Age 23 Position Midfielder

25 JOAO PEDRO

Club Chelsea Country Brazil Age 24 Position Striker

Joao is a new kind of striker. Not only is he one of the league’s top scorers, but he’s also creating tons of chances and racking up assists!

24

BRYAN MBEUMO

Club Man. United Country Cameroon Age 26 Position Forward

Bry is filling Old Trafford with aura. He’s been sending oppos in a spin with his speed and skill – and is their top scorer this season with nine!

23 HARRY WILSON

Club Fulham Country Wales Age 28 Position Winger This Welsh wizard has been a game-changer. He’s in his scoring worldies era and those goals have earned his team massive wins!

22

MARC GUEHI

Club Man. City Country England Age 25 Position Centre-back The England star is having another rock-solid season at the back. Crystal Palace’s defence is looking chopped without him!

21 RICCARDO CALAFIORI

Club Arsenal Country Italy Age 23 Position Left-back Riccy is the Gunners’ most underrated player. He’s key to Arsenal’s iconic defence, winning duels and hitting tackles on the reg!


TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

20 2

TOP 50 PREM PLAYE

19 9

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA

Club Man. City Country Italy Age 27 Position Goalkeeper

The best keeper on the planet. He’s produced so many amazing saves since joining City – including that last-second stunner against Liverpool!

ENZO FERNANDEZ

BUKAYO SAKA

Club Arsenal Country England Age 24 Position Forward Don’t sleep on Saka: he’s been decent, if not spectacular, this season. He’s had a few injuries but when fully fit, Bukayo’s still Arsenal’s attacking spark!

Club Chelsea Country Argentina Age 25 Position Midfielder

17

BRUNO GUIMARAES

Club Newcastle Country Brazil AAge 28 Position Midfielder

18 8

16

RAYAN CHERKI

JEREMY DOKU

Club Man. City Country France Age 22 Position Forward

When this lad gets the ball, defenders start trembling. Doku’s in his best-ever form, establishing himself as the Prem’s undisputed dribble king!

There’s only one thing to do with Cherki: enjoy his tek! The France star is lighting up the league, bringing flicks, tricks and award-winning goals!

Club Man. City Country Belgium Age 23 Position Winger

16

Newcastle’s most important player. Not only does he captain the club like a true leader, but he’s also been incredible in front of goal!

Chelsea’s priciest player ever is also their inspo. The Blues’ No.8 has scored eight in the Prem this season – including a last-gasp winner against West Ham!

15


ERS OF THE SEASON

14 VIRGIL VAN DIJK

TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

13

Club Liverpool Country Netherlands l d Age 34 Position Centre-back VVD has used every drop of his captain’s mentality, protecting his team during a tricky season – he’s still the league’s most feared centre-back!

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI

Club Arsenal Country Spain Age 27 Position Midfielder

As well as pulling the strings in the middle, Arsenal’s summer signing from Real Sociedad is the scorer of super screamers. Plus, he’s bagged some big bullet headers!

12 2 MORGAN ROGERS

Club Aston Villa Country England Age 23 Position Forward

Morgz has got Villa flying. The ice-cold forward has already matched last season’s tally of eight Prem goals – he's their joint top scorer and top assister!

111

JURRIEN TIMBER

Club Arsenal Country Netherlands Age 24 Position Right-back The Gunners have uncovered the best full-back in the league. He’s mega dangerous going forward and has put Arsenal’s defence on lockdown!


TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

10 0

HUGO EKITIKE

Club Liverpool Country France Age 23 Position Striker

WILLIAM SALIBA

Club Arsenal Country France Age 24 Position Centre-back

Saliba’s calm and clean defending is a big part of the reason Arsenal have the best defence in the world. Plus, Willy on the pitch leads through actions, not words!

9

Ekitike has scored in five competitions this season – but he’s saved his best form for the Prem. His two goals in two minutes against Newcastle proved to everyone that he’s a world-class finisher!

8 DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

18

TOP 50 PREM PLAYE

JAKE SAYS

Big Igor won Prem Player of the Month in November. It was the first time a Brentford player had ever won one of these awards!

7 IGOR THIAGO

Club Liverpool Country Hungary Age 25 Position Midfielder

Club Brentford Country Brazil Age 24 Position Striker

Dom is Liverpool’s Mr Versatile – putting in top performances in defence and midfield. And who can forget his unreal free-kicks against Arsenal and Man. City. Boom!

Brentford sold their best players last summer, so Thiago stepped up! The strong striker has fired in 17 Premier League goals to send the Bees up to 7th in the table. He’s been unstoppable all season long!


ERS OF THE SEASON

66

TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE H SEASON HE SE SE

ANTOINE SEMENYO

Club Man. City Country Ghana Age 26 Position Forward

Semenyo was in incredible form before his switch from Bournemouth to City – but he’s shot up another level at the Etihad. His super speed and clinical finishing have seen him reach third in the Prem top scorer charts, with 13 so far!

MOISES CAICEDO

5

Club Chelsea Country Ecuador Age 24 Position Midfielder Chelsea’s secret superstar is a secret no more. Caicedo never misses a minute for the Blues, dominating games with his pro passing range and knack for impossible interceptions!

4

In his final game for Bournemouth, Semenyo struck a last-minute winner against Tottenham. The game was on his birthday, too!

GABRIEL

Club Arsenal Country Brazil Age 28 Position Centre-back

This boss Brazilian has been the Prem’s best defender this season! He’s bullied strikers, shut down attacks and scored game-changing goals against Newcastle, Aston Villa and BBournemouth. No wonder fantasy footy fans love him!


TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

ERLING HAALAND

TOP 50 PREM PLAYE

Haaland’s late winner against Liverpool in February was his first goal at Anfield. He’s now scored at 23 of the 24 Prem grounds he’s played at – only blanking at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light!

Club Man. City Country Norway Age 25 Position Striker

Another weekend and another commentator shouts: “And Haaland scores!” The massive Norwegian is like a glitch in front of goal – hitting 22 goals in 26 league games this season. His scoring has slowed over the last few weeks – meaning last year's No.2 has been leapfrogged in our list!

3

2

BRUNO FERNANDES

Bruno has just reached 200 combined goals and assists for the Red Devils. He bagged 104 goals and 96 assists in just 314 games!

20

Club Man. United Country Portugal Age 31 Position Attacking midfielder

It’s time to talk about Bruno! That’s because the Red Devils captain is the Prem’s best creator. He’s made almost double the amount of chances (74) as his nearest rival – giving the forwards in front of him the platform to fire United up the table. Plus, he scores clutch goals. He's a genuine Prem legend!


ERS OF THE SEASON

TOP 50 PREM PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

DECLAN RICE

1

Dec was at Chelsea as a kid but they decided he wasn’t good enough at 14. He knuckled down on his game and look at him now!

MY TOP LIST!

Check out this pi Mason Mount whec of Dec and Man. United’s Chelsea academ n they were in the y together. Awww !

Stats correct as of 19 February 2026.

Just like a bag of basmati in the microwave, go up against Dec for two minutes and you’re cooked! The midfielder has been involved in everything good Arsenal have done this season. He’s their relentless engine in the middle of the park and his best-in-theworld set-piece delivery has won his team so many games. Simply put, nobody’s been as good as Dec!

1 2 3 4 5

Photo: @masonmo

Club Arsenal Country England Age 27 Position Midfielder

unt

Who are YOUR top players of the season??

24 23 21


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E I D L R WO EADS! R Y T O O F

! s d a e r d e v o r OTD mag app

POWER UP

M e s e h t h t i w in a r b y t o o f r u yo

THE WONDER TEAM AND THE FOOTBALL PHANTOM Leah Williamson and Jordan Glover

IN THE fifth of the all-action adventure series, the team get transported to 1970s Mexico to solve a spooky mystery at the Azteca Stadium!

READ FOR THE…

Time-travelling plot twists

THE NOT-SO-SECRET SERIOUSLY EARLY starts, bucket hats her big fear of bananas – Tooney’s DIARY OF A and laugh-out-loud diary spills the tea on FOOTBALLER the everyday life of a Lioness legend! Ella Toone

READ FOR THE…

Behind-the-scenes secrets

24


THE FOOTBALL SCHOOL ENCYCLOPEDIA Alex Bellos and Ben Lytteton TROPHIES, tactics, tournaments, team colours… we love this illustrated guide to the history and heroes of the game!

READ FOR THE… Footy smarts

50 WAYS INTO FOOTBALL Dan Freedman and Daniel Geey

DREAM OF a job in football? From a matchday announcer to stadium architect – this book explores 50 different roles in footy!

READ FOR THE… Instant inspo

Marcus THE BARCA baller is dropping a brandRashford: new guide to the game – it’s loaded stats, facts and his own tips and World of Football with tricks that took him to the very top! ROAR Beth Mead and Matt Oldfield

BETH MEAD’S mum had wanted her to be a ballerina. Beth chose football. Two Euro titles and a Champions Leaguewinning assist later – here’s how she found her stage!

READ FOR THE… Champion advice

Marcus Rashford with Carl Anka READ FOR THE… Elite lowdown

Rashy’s book officially drops in May, but one lucky MOTD mag reader will get their hands on it waaaaayy before their mates. Flip over to page 36 to find out how. World Book Day® is a registered charity, company and trademark.


WRITE WR RITE A FFOOTY OOT To celebrate World Book Day, MOTD mag brings you a footy story – and YOU

READ IT! RISE OF THE HA-AI-LAND! “SHAMBLES!” fumed PE coach Mr Artecha. “We’ll NEVER win the league!”

The kids looked down at the dressing room floor. They’d fluffed penalties, missed open goals and now even their own fans were BOOing them...

Boo

Before the next game, Mr Artecha arrives in the dressing room with a giant delivery. He’s unpacking something big: a next-gen AI-powered striker! The coach reads from the manual:

360 VISION 5 SKILL MODES

TITANIUM HEAD

BATTERY LIFEE 45 MINS ONE SEASON GUARANTEE

26

For help with your homework and learning from KS1 to GCSE go to bbc.co.uk/bitesize

“Congratulation s on purchasing

THE HA-AI-LAND ©

striker, from Ch ROCKET SHOTS INJURY-PROOF KNEES

atPE.”


Y STORY STTORY

YOUR MOTD MAG MISSIONS

Read it Finish it Illustrate it Send it

get to write the plot twist! Over to you...

Mr Artecha opens settings. He taps on ‘GOALS’ mode. THE HA-AI-LAND starts. On the pitch, the bot outpaces every player. It swerves every tackle and as it charges towards goal, it bleeps. THE HA-AI-LAND calculates the exact angle and power for the perfect strike.

BANG! It’s a GOAL! The game restarts. But the bot is unplayable. By half-time, Mr Artecha’s team are five goals up. But while the bot hits battery-saving mode, the rest of the team trudge slowly into the dressing room. “Why the long faces?” asks Mr Artecha. “We’ll win silverware with the THE HA-AI-LAND!” “Maybe…” shrugs Leah. “…but it NEVER passes!” “I’ve not had one touch,” sighs Keanu. “This is boring!” says Vic. Coach Mr Artecha holds THE PLUG…

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

-----------------------------

-F-I-N- I- S- -H- I- T- -! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - • Does the coach unplug the bot and the team try to play the game by themselves? • Does he recharge the bot and win every trophy? • Or what if THE HA-AI-LAND does something totally and utterly unexpected?

YOU DECIDE!

ILLUSTRATE IT!

It’s time to reboot THE HA-AI-LAND. Draw the updated robot! • What footy features does it have? • What modes does it have?

SEND IT!

Send your pic to inbox@motdmag.com 27


A E S L E CH Cut out & keep your fave posters!

M AG A

OF T HE

ZINE

MATCH DAY DA AY

S N O I P M CHA E LEAGU

… e h t g n i s a h c


READER OFFER

MATCH OF THE DAY MAGAZINE * FREE WORLD BOOK DAY £1 BOOK

MOTD mag is teaming up with the champs at World Book Day® to offer you a FREE £1 book*! WHAT Fancy a new read? This is your chance to bag a new £1 book for free! Check out the 16 titles at worldbookday.com/books and choose your next one.

View the full line-up at worldbookday.com/books

£1 Book Token

HOW Cut out the £1/€1.50 token on this page, then take it to one of the participating stores and swap it for your new £1 book. Want a book not on the list? This token will give you £1/€1.50 off any book or audio book over £2.99 (€3.99 in Ireland).

Valid from 12 February 15 March 2026 Un i Ti ac Un i Fi is exclusive to Wales only. Against All Odds is not suitable for younger readers.

WHEN Hurry! This £1 book token is only valid until Sunday 15 March 2026 – so use it by then!

Choose your £1 book for free! Children, families & educators: This token is for single-use only and entitles children (under 18) to ONE FREE World Book Day 2026 book or £1 off a book or audiobook costing £2.99 or more in participating booksellers only, subject to stock availability. Find your nearest participating bookseller at worldbookday.com/books-and-tokens/participating-retailers/ Full terms and conditions: worldbookday.com/terms-conditions Retailers: Full terms and conditions: www.worldbookday.com/bookseller-tcs/ Promoter: World Book Day® is a registered charity (no. 1079257) and registered company (no. 03783095) in the UK. World Book Day and the associated logo are the registered trademarks of World Book Day Limited. Peppa Pig © 2026 ABD Ltd/Hasbro/HCPL Ltd. Unicorn Academy © & TM Spin Master Ltd. All rights reserved. © 2026 The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd.

9

930430

301006

ALL THE INFO Check out: worldbookday.com For a list of participating stores, go to: worldbookday.com/ books-and-tokens/ participating-retailers/

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: TO THE CHILD, TEACHER OR CAREGIVER Only ONE World Book Day £1 book token can be used per transaction. This token entitles you to ONE FREE WORLD BOOK DAY 2026 book – OR £1* off a book or audiobook costing £2.99** or more in participating booksellers only, subject to stock availability. Where can I swap my token? Visit worldbookday.com/participating-retailers. Token is for a child’s (under 18s) individual use. Token is for those who are based in the UK including the Channel Islands, and Ireland. Download the £1 and €1.50 digital token at www.worldbookday.com/primary-digital-token. Offer valid 12 February – 15 March 2026 inclusive. Find out more at worldbookday.com and full terms and conditions can be found here: worldbookday.com/ terms-conditions/ *€1.50 in Ireland **€3.99 in Ireland TO THE RETAILER Participating retailers undertake to redeem this token as described, subject to the terms and conditions: worldbookday.com/resources/booksellers

Changing lives through the fun of reading! World Book Day® is a registered charity (no. 1079257) and registered company (no. 03783095) in the UK. World Book Day and the associated logo are the registered trademarks of World Book Day Limited.


? N O I S S I NEXT M D L R O W WIN THE

AFTER BACK-TO-BACK Euro trophies, England have a new mission locked in: win the 2027 World Cup! The qualifiers kick off this month… LAUREN’S MISSION! LAUREN JAMES was electric and unlucky at Euro 2025. That rocket against the Netherlands reset England on their title charge. Sadly, LJ limped off in the final. She’s got unfinished business!

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

24 June – 25 July 2027 30

LEAH’S MISSION!

DID YOU KNOW that Leah Williamson has only played six minutes in a Women’s senior World Cup? In 2019, she was just 18 and in 2023 she missed the entire tournament due to injury. She’s the only England captain to lift two major trophies – can she make it a hat-trick?

Watch The Women’s Football Show on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer


CUP! LUCY'S MISSION!

AT 34, she’s the oldest player in the squad, but Lucy Bronze is determined to make it to the World Cup in Brazil next year. Stay fit, and she’ll be on track to reach her 150th cap by the end of qualifying!

THE ROAD TO BRAZIL! ENGLAND ARE in the same qualifying group as big rivals Spain. Only the group winner qualifies for Brazil – second and third face play-offs!

THE MATCHES Predict the scores below!

Ukraine v England Tuesday 3 March

England v Iceland Saturday 7 March

England v Spain Tuesday 14 April

Iceland v England Saturday 18 April

Spain v England Friday 5 June

England v Ukraine Tuesday 9 June

WHO WILL QUALIFY? 31


S E S S E N O I L A U O Y E AR

? S U I N GE YOUR SCORE

Put your ENGLAND WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE to the test with these tricky brain teasers!

1

PASSPORT IMPOSTER! Which of these Lioness legends does NOT play in the UK?

A Celtic

Jess Park

Michelle Agyemang

n /5

ANSWER

Esme Morgan

Grace Clinton

Lauren James

SPOT THE BALL! WHICH LETTER HAS 2 REPLACED R THE BALL IN THE PHOTO BELOW?

b D a

c

BALLER! 3 BLURRY This England defender IS out of focus – can you work out who it is?

ANSWER

answer

THE CLUB! Which of these 4 JOIN clubs does WSL wonderkid Freya Godfrey play for?

5

SPELLING BEE! Can you spell the SURNAME OF the Lionesses' LEGENDARY manager? We’ll start you off. SARINA…

ANSWER Morgan (plays for Washington Spirit, in the USA) 2. A ANSWERS! 3.1. Esme Lucy Bronze 4. London City Lionesses 5. Wiegman

32


L O O P R E IL V Cut out & keep your fave posters!

M AG A

OF T HE

ZINE

MATCH DAY DA AY

S N O I P M A CH E LEAGU

… e h t g n i s cha


EURO LEAGU TITLE RACE

IT’S NOT JUST in the Premier League where the chase is on for the title – check out how things currently stand in the top European Leagues!

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP SCOTLAND THE TABLE TEAM P Pts 1 Hearts 27 57 2 Rangers 27 55 3 Celtic 26 54 4 Motherwell 26 47 MY WINNER:

Tawanda Maswanhise Motherwell, 13 goals Benjamin Nygren Celtic, 13 goals

THE TABLE TEAM P Pts 1 Real Madrid 24 60 2 Barcelona 24 58 3 Villarreal 24 48 4 A. Madrid 24 45 MY WINNER:

34

Hearts

THE TOP SCORER

LA LIGA

SPAIN

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND

THE TOP SCORER

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid, 23 goals

LAMINE YAMAL Ba rcelona


UES ES!!

BUNDESLIGA

GERMANY THE TABLE TEAM P Pts 1 B. Munich 22 57 2 B. Dortmund 22 51 3 Hoffenheim 22 45 4 Stuttgart 22 42 MY WINNER:

THE TOP SCORER

Harry Kane B. Munich, 26 goals

SERIE A

HARRY KANE

Bayern Munich

ITALY

THE TABLE TEAM P Pts 1 Inter Milan 25 61 2 AC Milan 25 54 3 Napoli 25 50 4 Roma 25 47 MY WINNER:

THE TOP SCORER

Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan, 14 goals

OUSMANE DEMBELE PSG

LAUTARO MARTINEZ

LIGUE 1

THE TABLE TEAM P Pts 1 Lens 22 52 2 PSG 22 51 3 Lyon 22 45 4 Marseille 22 40 MY WINNER:

THE TOP SCORER

Mason Greenwood Marseille, 14 goals

Stats correct as of 19 Feburary 2026.

FRANCE

Inter Milan

35


! N WI

PRIZE WORTH OVER £197!

RD O F H S A R MARCUS UNDLE! MEGA B

THIS ONE is for Marcus Rashford fans everywhere! This issue, we’re offering ONE lucky MOTD mag reader the chance to stack their shelves with all 13 of Rashy’s books, including new reads ‘The Sleepover Sabotage’ and ‘Marcus Rashford: World of Football’. The winner will also get a youth Barcelona home shirt with Rashford’s name on the back!

Q

For your chance to win, answer this question: Which Prem club is Rashford on loan at Barcelona from? A Everton B Man. United C West Ham

HOW TO ENTER

SCAN TO ENTER

SCAN the QR code, answer the question A, B or C and enter your details when prompted. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 18 March 2026, 23.59. The winner will be contacted to choose the youth size they would like the Barcelona shirt in. Marcus Rashford: World of Football won't be published until May 2026, so this will be sent to the winner when copies arrive. Open to UK residents only. Entrants under 18 require parent/guardian permission.


D E T I N U . N A M

Cut out & keep your fave posters!

M AG A

OF T HE

ZINE

MATCH DAY DA AY

P U C E U G A LE

… e h t g n i s a ch


G ming g

O I R A M DREAM TEAM!

WE’RE EXCITED for Mario Day on 10 March – so much that we’ve built our dream five-a-side team from him and his mates!

L EVEL UP WITH MOTD MAG GAMES EXPERT JAKE!

JAKE SAYS Whic

h characters of gaming would from all YOUR dream tea make m your picks in the ? Write boxes!

THE KEEPER DONKEY KONG DK IS a super shot-stopper in waiting. He can leap across the goal quicker than any keeper in the Premier League!

TOP TEK: MEGA REFLEXES!

MY PICK

THE DEFENDER BOWSER OOH ECK… imagine getting crunched by this dragon-like monster. You’d have bruises for days!

TOP TEK: FLAMES TACKLES!

MY PICK

38


THE FORWARD PEACH SHE’S TEKKY, flairy and can scores all kinds of goals. Peach dances round defenders!

TOP TEK: ACROBATIC FINISHES!

MY PICK

THE MIDFIELDER MARIO WE’RE PUTTING Super M in the middle for his leadership, motivation and all-round good vibes. He’ll never give up!

TOP TEK: CAPTAIN’S MENTALITY!

MY PICK

THE STRIKER TOAD TOADY IS our speed demon. His little legs zip him around the pitch – plus, he’s surprisingly class with his noggin’. No cap!

TOP TEK: BULLET HEADERS!

MY PICK

SUPER SUBS! WALUIGI TOP TEK: Being a weird guy!

There’s a reason we’ve put this lot on the bench…

ROSALINA TOP TEK: Literally floating!

WARIO TOP TEK: Stinkiest breath ever!

LUIGI TOP TEK: Non-stop sulking!

39


The T h Boot Bo t Room R o ADIDAS Jude Bellingham MOTD MAG CHECKS OU T THE BEST NEW BOOT S!

Predator THIS YEAR, it’s the ballers who are the boss. Adidas’ Icon Takeover is all about celebrating the stars and these brand-new Jude Bellingham boots do just that!

Pro version £250 Junior version £70 adidas.co.uk

SOLEPLATE These soles are so shiny that you’ll need to bring your shades with you. They’ll give you supersonic speed so you can dazzle and dance your way past defenders!

N BY S R O AS W A D R I D ' M M A REAL ELLINGH B JUDE 40

FIRST IMPRESSION The slogan for Belli’s collection is ‘Red, White and Jude’ and that sums up these boots. They’re slick, strong and smart – just like the Real Madrid midfielder!


BELLI’S ICONIC celebration and signature are captured in his personal logo on the heel of the boot!

DETAILS These wheels are all about taking your goalscoring game up a gear. The Powerspine tek gives super-strength to your shots while the iconic fold-over tongue adds control and a smooth striking surface!

THESE BOOTS are built so Jude can boss it in the Spanish sun or on those wet and windy UCL nights in Newcastle!

MOTD MAG VERDICT THE MORE we look at these boots, the

more we love them. They’re a sharp, MOTD MAG stylish spin on an all-time classic and RATING 8/10 we can’t wait to see Jude rocking them in the biggest matches! FIRST IMPRESSION /10 DETAIL /10 SOLEPLATE /10 /10 COLOURWAY

COLOURWAY Boots don’t get much cleaner than this. The Real Madrid white is cool and classic, while the red really makes these wheels explode!

ULTRA ALTERNATIVES!

MY OVERALL RATING If these Preds don’t take your fancy, check these out options!

/10

New Balance Furon Team Jnr FG V8

Under Armour Kids Magnetico Select 5.0 FG

PUMA Future 8 Match Firm Ground Kids

prodirectsport.com

prodirectsport.com

decathlon.co.uk

Prices correct as of 18 February.

£6 0

£4

5

£59 .99

41


O FE TH

MAGAZINE

MONTHS OF THE UK’S BEST-SELLING FOOTY MAG FOR JUST £44.99

Save 32% What you'll get:

Facts, stats, interviews, quizzes and endless LOLs Exclusive trading cards, posters and competitions Bonus trading cards and goodies throughout the year The magazine delivered to your door every 2 weeks

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

matchofthedaymagazine.co.uk/in-mag

This offer is available to UK addresses only and closes 24 March 2026. Subscriptions purchased via Direct Debit and Continuous Credit Card can be cancelled at any time. Prices are discounted from the full UK subscription price and included P&P. Match of the Day is published fortnightly.


M AG A

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MATCH DAY DA AY

a g i l s e bund

… e h t g n i s a ch

h c i n u m n r e y a b Cut out & keep your fave posters!


9 -second Oh, hello. It’s time to TEST YOUR FOOTY KNOWLEDGE! Good luck!

number 4 Which does striker

Viktor Gyokeres wear for Arsenal?

1 POINcTh for ea ct corre r! answe

1 Matheus Cunha joined Man. United from which club last june? A Wolves

B Sporting Lisbon

C Brentford

D Atletico Madrid

A No.9

B No.14

C No.19

D No.24

team are currently 2 Which top of the WSL?

of these 5 Which IS THE CURRENT TOTTENHAM HOME SHIRT?

A Man. United

B Man. City

C Arsenal

D Chelsea

Bayern Munich baller Luis Diaz plays for which country?

3

A

B

C

D

A Uruguay B Brazil C Colombia D Chile

44

You can listen to live games on BBC Radio 5 Live


quiz! 6

Which footballer do these legs belong to?

9 Heidenheim are bottom of which league?

A La Liga

B Ligue 1

C Serie A

D Bundesliga

A Luis Suarez B Lionel Messi C Rodrigo De Paul D Angel Di Maria

7

Which of these clubs has Erling Haaland NOT played for?

A B. Dortmund

B Molde

C RB Leipzig

is the 10 What nickname of

Championship play-off hopefuls Hull?

D RB Salzburg A The Lions

B The Tigers

C The Cheetahs

D The Leopards

YOUR FOOTY BRAIN POWER

A Jules Kounde

B Alejandro Balde

C Raphinha

D Marcus Rashford

n /10

1 A, 2 B, 3 C, 4 B, 5 D,

Who is BarcELONA SUPERSTAR Lamine Yamal celebrating with here?

YOUR SCORE

ANSWERS! 6 B, 7 C, 8 B, 9 D, 10 B

8

10 GENIUS 8 PROFESSIONAL 6 SEMI-PRO 4 AMATEUR 2 SUNDAY LEAGUE 0 OH NO, DISASTER

45


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A P O R U E E LEAGU

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ES T

MOTD MAG

! D A U SQ

JOIN THE MOTD MAG SQUAD! S end y our sketches a

Email inbo

nd snaps to

x@motdma

:

g.com F or a c issue, phleaance to feature in a fu guardians’se ask for your parenture sending. Do permission before t or n your nam’t eforget to include and a g e!

Welcome to the greatest team IN THE WORLD! LD

STAR SNAP! Every issue, our favourite snap will be named captain of the MOTD mag squad and receive a mini Europa League replica ball by Decathlon!

CHELSEA CHAMP! We had so many amazing entries for the Ronaldo FC activity. We especially loved Eesa’s cool colours and silly 7 mascot!

GUNNING FOR GLORY! Arsenal fan Ammy made us smile with this poster full of chants, celes and her fave ballers. Keep up the wicked work!

SIUUUING STAR! Alfie also created his Ronaldo FC. He went for a goat mascot and chose some crazy combos to really make his page pop. Awesome work, Alf!

ART'S ART! Meet Art – he’s been putting this ledge Liverpool collage together. We’re starting to understand why he’s called Art!

HARRY ON HOLS! MOTD mag mega-fan Harry is bringing the sunshine this week. He took his mag with him to Menorca in Spain. What a view!

47


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CONTACTMOTD MAG

ON SAL

IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE! N WednesdayE 11 March

BRAND NEW! MATCH ATTAX

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The licence to publish this magazine was acquired from BBC Studios by Immediate Media Company on 1 November 2011. We remain committed to making a magazine of the highest editorial quality, one that complies with BBC editorial and commercial guidelines and connects with BBC programmes. BBC Match Of The Day magazine is published by Immediate Media Company London Limited under licence from BBC Studios who help fund new BBC programmes. We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate.co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk or write to the address above.

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Champions l eague

! S E L T T A B M A E T M A E DRIt’s going to be KNOCKOUT! PLUS

TOP 50 WSL PLAYERS! TOP QUIZZES! TOP PRIZES!

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r u o y E S O CHO

WINNER!

PICK WHO WOULD WIN if these wicked football matches ever took place!

V THEY’D WIN

THEY’D WIN

A TEAM OF 11 WILLIAM SALIBAS I'm now the Argentinian GOAT!

V THEY’D WIN

A TEAM OF 11 COLE PALMERS

HANNAH HAMPTON & HARRY KANE

And I'm the Portuguese GOAT!

V

THEY’D WIN

JORDAN PICKFORD & ALESSIA RUSSO

V

@ SEGA

THEY’D WIN

THEY’D WIN

THEY’D WIN

ARGENTINA WITH PORTUGAL WITH MESSI RONALDO BUT NO MESSI BUT NO RONALDO

KYLIAN MBAPPE WITH HIS CHICKEN

V

@ SEGA

THEY’D WIN

HARRY MAGUIRE WITH HIS PIGS

V @ SEGA

THEY’D WIN

SONIC & TAILS 50

THEY’D WIN

MARIO & LUIGI

THEY’D WIN

LIVERPOOL WITH ARNE SLOT IN GOAL

THEY’D WIN

MAN. CITY WITH PEP GUARDIOLA IN GOAL


n a l i m r e t in Cut out & keep your fave posters!

M AG A

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MATCH DAY DA AY

a e i r e s

chasing…


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