Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Matchs du Jour

Latest football news

Find here all the latest live football news: results from Ligue 1, La Liga, Premier League, and the biggest European and international competitions. Follow the latest transfers, match summaries, standings, and upcoming fixtures. Don’t miss any of today’s football news on Aballou, your site dedicated to football enthusiasts.

Chelsea target Jeremie Jakke in January window to strengthen defense
transfers

Chelsea's 10-Name Shortlist Signals a January Defensive Shake-Up

Chelsea reportedly assembled a 10-player shortlist for January, prioritizing central defense while also boosting midfield and attack. Injuries to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo accelerate backline planning, with Jeremie Jakke as the top defensive target. Alternatives like Marcos Senesi and Jacobo Ramon are under review, and the club hopes to seal at least one major deal before the window closes. The recruitment drive is led by Liam Rosinior and BlueCo, with a focus on a quick impact signing and flexible negotiations.

Karanka Mourinho Real Madrid talks before Xabi Alonso departure
transfers

When Mourinho Almost Returned: Karanka Reveals Hidden Talks with Real Madrid Before Xabi Alonso’s Exit

Aitor Karanka confirms there were past communications between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, with discussions about a possible return that never materialized due to timing and football circumstances. He answers journalist Josep Pedrol on whether Mourinho would have wanted to come back, noting there were opportunities but factors didn’t align. He highlights the value of Spanish coaches and mentions Álvaro Arbeloa. The interview on El Cafito revives the conversation about Mourinho’s ties to Madrid’s management.

Damag vs Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League 2026 referee preview Al-Kharboush
Saudi Pro League

Whistle Wins: Damac Snatches a Victory Over Al-Nassr Under Referee Al-Kharboush

Damac hosts Al-Nassr in the 17th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League with local referee Abdullah Al-Kharboush in charge. The officiating crew includes assistants Muayed Al-Masjan and Raad Al-Huqbani, with Mohammad Abu-Shakra as the fourth official. Video review will be handled by Shukri Al-Hanfoosh and Mohammad Khalil. Al-Kharboush has previously overseen seven Damac matches and three Al-Nassr fixtures, with a mixed record for both teams. Al-Nassr lies third with 34 points, while Damac sits fifteenth with 11 points.

Thierry Henry explains Manchester City's defeat to Bodø/Glimt
Champions League

Henry Breaks Down Man City's Achilles Heel After Shocking UCL Loss to Bodø/Glimt

Thierry Henry dissected Manchester City's 3-1 defeat to Bodø/Glimt in a Champions League shock, pointing to weak pressing and exposed counters. He argued the absence of Kyle Walker's ball-recovery pace was a major issue. Henry noted that January signings had not yet fully filled gaps left by departing stars. The result underscored how even elite teams can stumble when cohesion and urgency falter.

AFCON 2025/26 Best XI announced: Morocco’s stars lead the lineup as Senegal lifts the trophy amid controversy.
AFCON

AFCON 2025/26 Best XI Revealed: Morocco’s Golden Four Lead the Dream Team

The CAF unveiled the official Best XI for AFCON 2025/26, hosted by Morocco, with Senegal clinching the title. The selection spotlights four Moroccans, plus players from the champions and a trio from Nigeria, while Egypt’s stars miss out despite reaching the semi-finals. The lineup is completed with a mix of familiar names and rising talents, and the final was marked by controversy after a late Morocco penalty.CAF also condemned certain events that occurred during the final. Read on for the full XI and what it means for African football.

Al Ahli Jeddah vs Al Khaleej controversy Tony red card photo
Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League Sparks Red Card Debate After Tony's Challenge Breaks the Momentum

In the Saudi Pro League clash between Al Ahli Jeddah and Al Khaleej, a controversial moment involving Tony triggered a heated response from Al Khaleej’s sporting director. The match ended 4-1 in favor of Al Ahli Jeddah, but the yellow card given to Tony sparked accusations of favoritism and VAR inconsistencies. Sadiq Al-Huwaidi criticized the officiating and suggested Tony deserved a red card, highlighting ongoing refereeing issues. The piece underscores tensions in the league and the call for higher refereeing standards. A touch of humor closes the article to lighten the stakes without dulling the debate.

LeBron James not starting in the 2026 All-Star; bench role headlines
NBA All-Star

LeBron’s All-Star Era Ends: LeBron James Misses Start in a Historic 21-Year Streak Break

LeBron James will not start in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, ending a 21-year streak of starting appearances. The 41-year-old Lakers icon is the marquee omission from the starting five, as the league unveils a revamped All-Star format. The Western and Eastern starting lineups feature a mix of superstars including Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and Victor Wembanyama, among others. The NBA aims to boost fan engagement with a mini-league format spread across four 12-minute games.

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala AFCON 2025 final Morocco Senegal
AFCON 2025

Controversy After AFCON Final: Congo Defends Referee Ndala Amid Moroccan Backlash

The Congolese Football Federation publicly backed referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after criticism following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. Moroccan officials and fans called for Ndala’s suspension amid chaotic scenes late in the match. The Moroccan federation contended the game should have ended earlier after Senegalese players walked off in protest of a penalty. Journalists and officials praised Ndala for his professionalism, calm, and disciplinary conduct throughout the tournament.

Iván Toni hat-trick for Al Ahli against Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Iván Toni Sets Historic Pace as Al Ahli’s Hat-Trick Hero Rewrites Saudi Pro League History

Iván Toni, the English forward for Al Ahli Jeddah, delivered a standout performance with a hat-trick to defeat Al-Khaleej 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League. The treble takes his season tally to 14 goals, placing him second behind Ronaldo in the top-scorer race. Al Ahli announced that Toni is now the club’s third-highest scorer in the Pro League era, with 37 goals. He’s also contributed 11 goals and 4 assists across his last 9 matches, signaling a golden run for the squad.

Ibrahim Rabaj Chelsea signing Moroccan youth
transfer

Chelsea's Next Messi in Training? Ibrahim Rabaj Signs Pro Deal Through 2028

Chelsea signs Ibrahim Rabaj, a Moroccan talent from its academy, to a contract running until 2028. The deal marks Rabaj's first professional agreement and highlights his rapid rise. He helped Morocco's U17 team win AFCON after beating Mali on penalties. Born in London with a Moroccan father and English mother, Rabaj holds multiple nationalities and has been linked with Messi-like potential. Chelsea bets on his development to eventually break into the first team.

Getty Images Jimmy Butler ACL injury 2026 Golden State Warriors vs Miami Heat
NBA

ACL Blow Ends Jimmy Butler’s Season as Warriors Rally for Playoffs

Jimmy Butler suffers a torn ACL in his right knee, ending his season. The injury occurred in the third quarter against his former team, the Miami Heat, as Golden State won 135-112. MRI confirmed the ACL tear, sidelining Butler for the remainder of the NBA campaign. Golden State sits 8th in the Western Conference and must cope without Butler while pursuing a playoff berth. Butler had joined the Warriors last year after a dispute with the Heat and has been a steady contributor this season.

Haaland apologizes to Manchester City fans after shock 3-1 loss to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League.
Champions League

Haaland Breaks Silence After City’s Shocking European Upset

Erling Haaland publicly apologized to Manchester City fans after a shocking 3-1 defeat to Bodø/Glimt, marking Bodø/Glimt’s first win in the Champions League. He acknowledges a scoring drought but takes responsibility for the performance. City faced disruptions with injuries and a red card, while also highlighting the team’s resilience. The setback leaves City second in the Premier League as they prepare for a tough post-2026 schedule.

Barcelona vs Slavia Prague UEFA Champions League 2026 image
Champions League

Barça on a Yellow Line: Four Players Teeter as Prague Clash Looms

Barcelona travels to Prague for a pivotal UEFA Champions League clash, aiming to secure a win and keep their group chances alive. The coach must balance ambition with caution due to potential suspensions from bookings. Several Barça players are at risk of bans if booked again, including Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin, and Marc Casado. With injuries limiting options, every decision matters as Barcelona push to finish the group among the top eight. They currently sit 15th with 10 points.

Ronaldo statue fire Madeira video
vandalism

Madeira Mockery: Ronaldo Statue Sets Fire to Internet Fury

Portuguese police pursue a vandal who burned Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in Madeira and posted video of the act online. The man reportedly poured a flammable liquid on the bronze statue of the football icon and set it alight, then danced to loud rap. The incident sparked a police investigation as questions swirled around motives. The statue burned briefly but survived, while investigators work to identify the suspect. Football drama spills beyond the pitch, this time with sparks and a viral video.

Gareth Bale comments on Real Madrid era from Tottenham stadium during Spurs vs Dortmund
Champions League

Bale Blasts Madrid’s Locker Room Ego: Alonso Couldn't Contain the Storm

Gareth Bale weighs in on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid departure, revealing the club's brutal culture where egos and instant results matter as much as tactics. Bale comments live from Spurs’ stadium during a Champions League night, highlighting the pressure coaches face. The piece also notes pundits' reactions to Madrid's demanding environment and the complexities of managing star players. A glimpse into why even successful coaches can be shown the door when the locker room roars.