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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.

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.

Referees celebrate in Anoeta after Barcelona's defeat to Real Sociedad with Laporta in attendance.
La Liga

Laporta Makes a Surprise Entrance as Referees Toast Barcelona's Defeat in Anoeta

Barcelona fell to Real Sociedad in Anoeta, while the referees publicly celebrated their perceived solid performance. The scene included an unexpected appearance by Barcelona president Joan Laporta and a tongue-in-cheek nod from coach Hansi Flick. Controversy swirled around several VAR decisions that favored the officiating trio. This piece unpacks the three moments that sparked debate and the reactions that followed.

Carlo Ancelotti bids farewell to Real Madrid with a heartfelt message as he departs, reflecting on victories and loyalty.
transfer

Did Ancelotti's Luck Align with Real Madrid? A Heartfelt Farewell Before Departure

Carlo Ancelotti bids a warm goodbye to Real Madrid fans as he heads elsewhere. He posts a photo with the club's Champions League trophies and thanks Madrilistas for their warm welcome, wishing the team luck for the rest of the season. The piece recalls his habit of tweeting after victories and his loyalty at the Bernabéu during his final days. It notes his departure after Madrid decided to appoint Xabi Alonso, while highlighting his three Champions League titles with the club.

Franco Mastantuono Real Madrid Monaco Champions League Getty Images
Champions League

Mastantuono's Hair, Hope, and Hype: A Madrid Rising Star Defends His Moment

Franco Mastantuono speaks out after Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Monaco, addressing critics who call him a disaster. He emphasizes the support of teammates and his own ongoing development through a crucial second half of the season. He defends his teammate Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, highlighting their impact when in top form. The midfielder also jokes about his hair color change and closes with a reminder of Madrid’s ambitions. A lighthearted punchline caps off the piece to keep things lively.

Vinícius Júnior renewal Real Madrid Monaco Getty image
mercato

Renewal in the Air: Vinícius Júnior’s Madrid Journey Teeters on a New Deal

Vinícius Júnior’s standing at Real Madrid appears rejuvenated after a challenging spell, highlighted by his performance against Monaco in the Champions League. The club’s leadership and his long-time agent were in attendance in Madrid, signaling that renewal talks are moving forward. With a contract set to expire in 2027, both sides are taking a measured approach, trusting the process and the relationship that has carried him this far. The scene blends football drama with a touch of optimism, and maybe a joke or two at the end.