Christmas is a month away and from shopping malls to holiday markets and winter wonderlands, countless Santa Clauses in many countries have heard the whispered wishes of football clubs, players and fans.
Due to the privilege of Santa's well-wishers, we can never know for sure that we heard Jolly Old St. Nicks. But that won't stop us from guessing. After all, who isn't curious about what another child wrapped under the tree?
Barcelona: Harry Kane's wish
Dave Thompson/ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (centre) needs one more goal to take Alan Shearer's title as the fastest player to 100 goals in Premier League history.
We don't even need to listen closely to know what Barcelona want for Christmas because they have no inner voice. “HARRY KANE, PLEASE!” And they will most likely catch him, although they will have to be patient. The 32-year-old will spend the season with Bayern Munich, where he has twice as many Bundesliga goals as the next highest scorer this season. But he also has a €65 million clause, which Barca will be happy to pay in the spring, especially with Robert Lewandowski's contract expiring in June. Santa might even be working on this order.
“Marseille” and “Lens”: PSG’s desire to lose points
Quite unexpectedly, a title race is looming in France. Paris Saint-Germain, which has won four titles in a row and 11 of the last 13, is neck and neck with Marseille and Lens, who are waiting to take advantage of the slightest stumble from the Parisians. Marseille is in the best position for this. They beat their arch-rivals in September and hope to do so again in early 2026. PSG have won just three of their last six matches and face a difficult trip to Monaco next weekend.
Italy: desire to get to the World Cup
Since winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy have won exactly one match in the quadrennial competition. This was in 2014 against England. They never managed to achieve a knockout. They then skipped the 2018 and 2022 tournaments altogether. If the Azzurri are to return to the big show in 2026, they will have to beat Northern Ireland in the March semi-final and then beat either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Few in Italy are holding their breath. In 2022, they were eliminated by North Macedonia at the same stage. Some Santa magic may be the only way they appear in Canada, the US and Mexico.
Erling Haaland: desire to win the Ballon d'Or
Some wishes make Santa's job easier – like a child who wants a sleigh, or a record-breaking 6-5 goal scorer who wants the Ballon d'Or. If he scores today, or at all between now and February, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will become the fastest player to score 100 goals in Premier League history. The current record is held by Alan Shearer, and Haaland, quite naturally, could set a new record on Saturday at the Shearer Stadium in Newcastle. The outstanding 25-year-old has already led Norway to their first World Cup since 1998 and is the overwhelming favorite to win European football's most prestigious individual prize. In fact, it would take a collapse as spectacular as his current form to not win the tournament.
Vinicius Jr: desire to change attitudes
This wish was made on behalf of someone or someone, for someone else in need. Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti hope that Vinicius Junior will gain strength for the start of the club season and the upcoming World Cup. Alonso, who manages Vini Jr at Real Madrid, would certainly prefer to see the striker improve on his five goals in 12 La Liga appearances this season. Ancelotti, who needs the forward to be at his best to have any hope of qualifying for the World Cup, has already spoken to him. The 25-year-old has been sulking for 13 months since Spanish midfielder Rodri (rightfully) won him the Ballon d'Or. If Santa is successful, one of the sport's brightest players could suddenly return to his best.
Fans: wishing for less Gianni Infantino
Not a day goes by—literally, not a day—without FIFA president and White House lackey Gianni Infantino appearing on Instagram, in email newsletters, and in Oval Office photos. There is no more disgusting figure in sports. His desire to ingratiate himself with some of the worst people in the world is a daily reminder—again, literally daily—that the game that so many people so innocently want to love has become a vehicle for human rights abuses and is rented out to any dictator who wants a spin. The fans deserve better. They deserve to look forward to the next World Cup with excitement rather than fear. Dear Santa, please give us more football and less Infantino.
winnipegfreepress.com/jerradpeters
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