Stars under pressure to deliver in 2026 🫥 | OneFootball

By 2026, just months before the World Cup, some global football stars are approaching a crucial turning point in their careers.

With declining performances, increased competition, and returns from injury: a focus on these stars who must absolutely react in 2026. A surge of pride is expected!

Three of Real's Fantastic Four

Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo have a lot to prove in 2026. After a lackluster first half of the season, the three offensive stars of Real Madrid are under scrutiny. They will need to take inspiration from Kylian Mbappé and become much more decisive and influential on the field.

In England, Bellingham's starting position in the next World Cup is far from guaranteed. Morgan Rogers seems to have even gained an edge in the hierarchy established by Thomas Tuchel.

As for Vinícius, his salary demands — which are hindering his contract extension — no longer seem entirely in line with his current performance.

Finally, Rodrygo must urgently become a key player for Madridismo again, or risk being pushed out as early as next summer. A repeat of last summer's saga.

Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati

The two comeback players from AS Monaco are in a real race against time to hope to play in the 2026 World Cup with France and Spain, respectively.

Now free from their physical setbacks, Pogba and Fati have shown some promising flashes — though not entirely convincing. But the essential is there: the dream remains possible.

Benjamin Šeško

The grace period is over. The Old Trafford crowd has been patient with Benjamin Šeško, but patience has its limits. After a first half of the season spent adapting, with only two goals, the Slovenian striker will need to be much sharper in 2026.

Signed for 76.5 million euros, Šeško is now under the spotlight. So far, the other two star signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, have largely stolen the show.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

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