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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.

Marcelo reveals the toughest opponents he faced for Real Madrid, naming Messi, Navas, and Prieto, with a memorable clash in 2010 and Pedro as another game-changer.
La Liga

Against the Greats: Marcelo Names the Toughest Opponents He Faced on the Left

Marcelo recalls the fiercest foes who tested him on Real Madrid’s left flank from 2006 to 2022. He names Lionel Messi and Jesus Navas as formidable rivals, and reveals an unexpected challenge from Xabi Prieto of Real Sociedad. The tale includes their first memorable meeting in 2010 and Prieto’s ongoing pressure over the years. The piece also notes Pedro, Barcelona’s winger, as a game-changer who operated with less media noise than the stars.

Antonio Blanco Deportivo Alavés Getty Images
transfers

Blanco Stays Put: No U-Turn Back to Real Madrid

Antonio Blanco, a Real Madrid academy product, emphasizes pride in his path with Deportivo Alavés and rules out a return to Madrid for now. He cites the immense challenge of breaking into the first team and stresses weekly performance over nostalgia. The midfielder points to injury-driven opportunities for academy players as proof that chances come unpredictably. The piece highlights ongoing talent in Madrid’s ranks and Blanco’s commitment to his current chapter, with a dash of humor to keep things light.

Ali Al-Shammari signs first pro contract with Al Hilal, 2025 Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

Earthquake in the Making: Al Hilal Signs Its Next Big Star

Al Hilal fans are bracing for a fresh wave of hype as Ali Al-Shammari signs his first professional contract with the club for three years. The youngster, son of former international Nasser Al-Shammari, has impressed the under-17 squad and earned this big step courtesy of the technical staff. The story blends a family legacy with a promising future in the Saudi Pro League. It’s a reminder that talent runs in the family, and the pipeline from academy to first team is firing on all cylinders.

Neom vs Al-Najma 2-1 Roshn Saudi League recap with controversy
Roshn Saudi League

Neom nicks a 2-1 win over Al-Najma as refereeing debates heat up in the Roshn Saudi League

Neom defeated Al-Najma 2-1 in Round 11 of the Roshn Saudi League. Nathan Zezi opened the scoring in the 54th minute and Khalifa Al-Dosri doubled the lead in the 89th. Bilal Boutobba pulled a late goal for Najma from a stoppage-time penalty. The match featured several contentious officiating decisions, analyzed by pundits who highlighted seven second-half incidents. The result sparked discussions about refereeing standards in the league.

Walid Al-Farag criticizes the Saudi Football Federation after the Arab Cup
Arab Cup

After the Arab Cup Shake-up, Walid Al-Farag Demands Clarity From Saudi Football

Saudi pundit Walid Al-Farag renews his critique of the Saudi Football Federation after a major meeting signaling future steps for domestic football. He argues the federation did not address the national team or coach’s status, focusing only on players and competitions. The Arab Cup exit sparked questions about transparency and direction. The piece notes the need for clearer guidance on the national team's path ahead of World Cup and Asia Cup challenges.

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ain King Cup photo of Saleh Al-Shehri transfer chase
transfer

Riyadh’s Transfer Fire: Will Al-Ittihad’s Saleh Al-Shehri Move Hit the Mark?

A high-stakes recruitment saga unfolds in Riyadh as clubs chase Al-Ittihad’s Saleh Al-Shehri. Reports say Al-Riyadh has approached Al-Ittihad to loan the striker through the season, with wages covered to seal the deal. The Uruguayan coach Daniel Carenio pushes for a stronger attack, while Al-Shabab also weighs a move to replace an injured forward. Al-Shehri’s sparse playing time this season adds urgency to the pursuit, intensifying a tense capital showdown.

Getty Images photo of Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ahli derby in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Legal Update: When Al-Ittihad's Fan Ban Kicks In and What Article 72 Really Means

Legal counsel Yaqoub Al-Mutair reveals when Al-Ittihad will be barred from hosting fans after the disciplinary verdict. The club faces a 200,000 riyal fine and a match behind closed doors. The fan ban is suspended for four months, with Article 72 guiding potential actions if violations occur. If no new incidents arise, the ban may stay on hold; otherwise, it could take effect. This update signals a notable shift in how Saudi football handles crowd conduct.

Fabinho returns to training ahead of Al-Ittihad vs Al-Shabab Roshn Saudi League
Roshn Saudi League

Fabinho's Sharp Return Sets Up a Tense Ittihad vs. Shabab Showdown

Fabinho’s comeback puts coach Sérgio Conceição in a tricky spot ahead of a high-stakes Roshn Saudi League clash with Al-Shabab. Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Shabab at Al-Enma Stadium, aiming to cap a strong run despite injuries. The report notes Fabinho and Muhannad Al-Shanqiti’s return to training after minor knocks, while several foreign players remain unavailable. With a crowded foreign quota, Conceição must balance his lineup carefully for the match.

Mali coach Saintfiet: no bus against hosts Morocco in AFCON
AFCON

Mali’s coach vows no parking against Morocco as AFCON stakes rise

Mali’s head coach Tom Saintfiet guarantees his team won’t park the bus against Morocco in the AFCON group clash. He downplays fear in his squad despite Morocco being the tournament favorite. Morocco won their opener, while Mali drew their first game, setting up a high-stakes meeting. Saintfiet describes the hosts as a tough test that could spark a big performance and a positive result. The match is scheduled for late December with a clear call for resilience and ambition.

Saudi Pro League birth-year rule change explained
Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League Drops Early Birth-Rule Hint to Help Clubs Plan for 2026-27

The Saudi Football Federation announced an early change to the birth-year rule for the 2026-27 season. The move allows non-Saudi players under 21, registered with clubs in the Pro League, to play without the following-season continuity requirement, provided registrations are valid. The timing aims to give clubs ample preparation time, both technically and financially. Officials say the change is about sustainability, not a one-off tweak.

Zamalek vs Smouha Egypt Cup match photo in Cairo
Egypt Cup

Egypt Cup Thriller: Zamalek Falters, Ismaily Delivers as Smouha Edges Ahead

Zamalek suffer their first defeat of the edition, losing 1-0 to Smouha at The Arab Contractors Stadium. Hossam Ashraf struck the decisive goal in the 41st minute, lifting Smouha to 4 points. Zamalek stay on 4 points, sitting second behind the group leader by 7 points. In the other match, Ismaily beat Pyramids 3-1 at PetroSport, with Abdel Karim Mustafa opening and Nader Faraj adding a brace, while Pyramids stay winless. Miloud Hamdi’s side collect 3 points as Pyramids’ youth team remains at zero.

Ahmed Abdel Raouf post-match interview Zamalek Smouha Cairo Cup
Egypt Cup

When Confidence Crashes: Zamalek's Cairo Cup Setback Sparks Coach's Frustration

After a 1-0 loss to Smouha in the Cairo Cup, Ahmed Abdel Raouf slammed Zamalek's performance as subpar on all fronts. He cited multiple technical errors and a missing fighting spirit in the first half, with a slight improvement after the break that still left questions unanswered. The coach blamed an overconfident mindset entering the game and stressed the need for sharper focus. He also outlined selective youth integration and affirmed Juan Bizera's continued importance despite fluctuations.

Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej injury update at Kingdom Arena with Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

Injury Shock Hits Al Hilal Ahead of Gulf Clash

Al Hilal suffers a fresh injury hit hours before hosting Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. Ali Al-Bulayhi is sidelined, prompting concerns for the lineup. Coach Simone Inzaghi has also benched Mohammed Al-Qahtani for tactical reasons, with AFCON absences and domestic-list exclusions adding to the puzzle. Al Hilal sit second with 23 points, while Gulf trail in sixth on 14. The medical updates and selection calls could shape a pivotal Friday fixture.