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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.

Wydad signs Mafouta to boost attack (Africa signing)
transfers

Wydad Signs Africa-Sized Striker to Power the Attack

Morocco's Wydad Casablanca has secured a new attacking signing, adding Central African forward Louis Mafouta. The 32-year-old joins from the French club Janjon after a solid Ligue 2 season with seven goals in 19 appearances. The move signals a push for trophies after three barren seasons. Mafouta becomes the 51st recruit under president Hicham Ait Mana, who has steered the club for about 18 months. To register the new arrivals, Wydad may need to release two foreign players, with Bart and Tomisong Oriboni reportedly in line for exits.

Ronaldo returns to continental competition with Al-Nassr in Europa League-style second-tier tournament
Europa League

Ronaldo Reboots Europe: Al-Nassr’s Star Returns in Asia’s Second-Tier Showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo makes a rare appearance in Asia’s second-tier continental competition with Al-Nassr, marking a return to European-style football outside the top tier. He faces Iraq’s Al-Zawraa in a high-profile sixth-round clash. The piece places his European record in context, noting his Champions League supremacy and his Europa League outings. It also recalls past stints with Sporting CP and Manchester United, including notable Europa League moments.

Getty Images action photo of Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej in Roshn Saudi League
Roshn Saudi League

Donis opens up on potential Saudi national team succession after Renard

Giorgos Donis, head coach of Al Khaleej, addresses rumors about possibly succeeding Hervé Renard as Saudi Arabia’s manager. The Roshn Saudi League coach reflects on his pride in Saudi football and hints at his ambitions if offered the role. The discussion comes ahead of the Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej clash, in which he has a vested club interest. Donis notes his history coaching Saudi clubs and his readiness for future challenges, whether with Greece or Saudi Arabia. The article also highlights his footprint across Al Hilal, Al Wehda, and Al Fateh.

Zamalek CAF Confederation Cup schedule image
CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek’s Path to the Knockouts: Key CAF Confederation Cup Dates Revealed

CAF has outlined Zamalek’s crucial group-stage fixtures in the Confederation Cup, including home clashes and a challenging trip abroad. The Cairo match is set for January 25 at 9 PM, followed by a return leg on February 1, and a final round trip to Zambia on February 8. The schedule tests squad depth, travel, and endurance as Zamalek aims to defend their title. This article breaks down the dates, venues, and stakes in plain language.

Al Nassr vs Al Zawraa ACL 2 clash in Riyadh with Ronaldo leading the lineup
AFC Champions League 2

Ronaldo Sparks a Victory Drive as Al Nassr Lead the ACL 2 Clash Against Al Zawraa

Cristiano Ronaldo headlines Al Nassr’s starting lineup as they welcome Al Zawraa in Riyadh for ACL 2 Group Stage. Jorge Jesus reveals the XI, highlighting Ronaldo’s first ACL 2 appearance. Al Nassr sit top of the group with 15 points, while Al Zawraa aim to close the gap from 9. The first leg ended 2-0 in favor of Al Nassr. Tonight’s fixture promises high intensity and a chance for Ronaldo to extend his influence in Asia.

Al Hilal midfielder Robin Neves – Getty Images
Transfers

When the European Spotlight Hits Robin Neves: Al Hilal’s Star in the Crosshairs

European giants are eyeing Robin Neves as a priority target while Al Hilal contemplates selling him this winter. Galatasaray reportedly moved to sign the midfielder before his contract expires in June. The Turkish club seeks to stabilize its pivot with a high-profile purchase, aiming to start talks next week. Al Hilal would rather cash in now than lose Neves for nothing in the summer, and Neves has already helped the Saudi club win multiple trophies. A move would mark another chapter in a career that includes a strong spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Riyad Mahrez fastest AFCON goal Algeria Sudan 2025
AFCON 2025

Riyad Mahrez’s lightning start: Algeria’s fastest AFCON goal etches a new legacy

Riyad Mahrez opened AFCON 2025 for Algeria with the tournament’s fastest goal, just 81 seconds into the match against Sudan. The strike, set up by Hicham Boudaoui, places Algeria on a historic footing and echoes the country’s AFCON legends. Mahrez becomes the second Algerian to score in four AFCON editions and tops the all-time Algeria AFCON scoring chart. A tidy mix of records, trivia, and a touch of humor caps the story.

Al Hilal training at Kingdom Arena ahead of Friday game
Roshen Pro League

Morning Shake-Up: Inzaghi Triggers a Surprise Training for Al Hilal

Saudi press reveals why Italian coach Simone Inzaghi ordered a morning training for Al Hilal. The move was meant to shake up the usual routine ahead of the Al Khaleej clash in the Roshen Pro League. The main stadium is closed for winter maintenance, prompting training at a secondary venue. All players were ready except those on Africa Cup of Nations duty, with Milinkovic-Savic dealing with a bruised knee. The team will finalize preparations Friday at the club’s youth facilities.

Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea AFCON 2025 dramatic finish in Morocco
AFCON

Last-Second Fireworks: Burkina Faso Stuns Equatorial Guinea in a AFCON Opener Thriller

Burkina Faso staged a dramatic comeback to beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in their AFCON Group D opener in Morocco. Equatorial Guinea led late, even with a man down, before Burkina Faso leveled in stoppage time and clinched the win. The 90+8 strike capped a chaotic finale and reshaped the group dynamics alongside Sudan and Algeria. The match echoed famous European fare, proving that football time can bend when the moment is right.

Omar Marmoush in AFCON 2025 action photo
transfers

Winter Transfer Showdown: Marmoush’s Dilemma Between Italy and England

Omar Marmoush’s future at Manchester City is under scrutiny as January looms. Reports link him with a move to Tottenham or Roma to bolster attacks. His AFCON performance with Egypt has amplified the chatter, highlighting his versatility and goal threat. The transfer talk comes just as Egypt kick off their campaign with a hard-fought win, lifting Marmoush’s stock for both his club and suitors. Expect plenty of rumors before the window closes, with a few humorous twists to keep fans smiling.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United Howe press conference Old Trafford 2025
Premier League

Past Scorelines Won’t Win This One: Howe Quietly Plans for United at Old Trafford

Eddie Howe insists Newcastle United’s positive head-to-head against Manchester United doesn’t predict Friday’s Premier League meeting at Old Trafford. Newcastle have dominated recent encounters, winning five of the last six across all competitions and four of the last five in the league since a 2-0 loss in the 2023 League Cup final. Howe remains cool about Wembley’s defeat, stressing the need to study opponents’ strengths and weaknesses rather than chase past glories. Newcastle sit 11th, three points behind United after a 2-2 draw with Chelsea, as Boxing Day looms. Expect a fresh, disciplined approach rather than a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Arne Slot Liverpool set-piece frustrations 2025
Premier League

Liverpool's Set-Piece Blues: Slot Pleads for a Festive Turnaround

Liverpool manager Arne Slot laments a growing set-piece problem that hurts the team's balance as they sit fifth in the Premier League. The festive schedule looms, widening the gap to the top while Liverpool have converted only a handful of chances from set-pieces. Slot warns that this imbalance makes a top-four push unlikely, even with a competitive squad. Injuries add to the concern, with a key forward sidelined for weeks. A dash of humor eases the tension as the season presses on.

Kepa Arrizabalaga saves a penalty against Lacroix to send Arsenal through in the League Cup
Carabao Cup

Kepa's Late-Season Shield: Arsenal Kick Off a Chelsea Showdown After a Nail-Biting League Cup Shootout

Arsenal reach the League Cup semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout against Crystal Palace, with Kepa Arrizabalaga playing a pivotal role. He saved a decisive penalty from Maxence Lacroix, sealing an 8-7 shootout victory following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates. The Spaniard, previously at Chelsea, could now block his former club from reaching a major final this season. Arsenal will face Chelsea in a two-legged semi-final, with dates set for Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium.

Haaland with Solskjaer before City vs Forest
Premier League

Haaland Teams Up with United Legend Solskjaer: A Surprising Boost Before City vs Forest

Erling Haaland, Manchester City's star, sparked chatter by publicly linking with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his fellow Norwegian and United legend. Haaland says he’s tapping Solskjaer’s wisdom to sharpen his goal-scoring. The moment arrived ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, with teammates weighing in. The duo’s unlikely collaboration adds a touch of humor to a heated rivalry.