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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.

Al Hilal transfers: Morad Hosawi, Abdulilah Al-Maliki, Kaio Cesar during the Riyadh winter window
Transfers

Two Al Hilal Stars Edge Toward New Clubs, Yet Riyadh Keeps Them Close

Two Al Hilal players are nearing departures in the winter transfer window, but neither will leave Riyadh. The club is juggling multiple options, including summoning new signings and parting with some players. Abdulilah Al-Maliki is reportedly close to joining Al-Diriyah, while Kaio Cesar’s future is also being discussed amid interest from other teams. The derby day exclusion of Kaio Cesar adds tension to the ongoing talks, as Al Hilal weighs its options amid a busy market.

Anis Haj Musa AFCON 2025 Algeria Feyenoord Chelsea transfer target
transfers

AFCON Brilliance Lights Chelsea’s Winter Target: Anis Haj Musa on Chelsea’s Radar

Algerian winger Anis Haj Musa of Feyenoord has attracted major European attention after an impressive AFCON 2025. He tallied seven goals and three assists in the first half of the season and delivered key moments for Algeria in the tournament. Chelsea are reportedly evaluating a winter move, with talks and interest already circulating. The development signals a rising trend of North African talents drawing interest from top clubs.

Karim Benzema substitution in Al-Ittihad vs Damac Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Benzema’s Halftime Sub Stirs Worry as Al-Ittihad Tangles with Damac in Saudi Pro League

Karim Benzema, captaining Al-Ittihad, was hooked at halftime in the Saudi Pro League clash with Damac. The French striker appeared hampered by an ankle issue during warm-ups, prompting a tactical reshuffle by coach Sergio Conceicao. Saleh Al-Shehri took over the attack as the team pressed for a result. Benzema has been prolific this season, with 18 appearances and 15 goals. The shift leaves Al-Ittihad seeking medical clarity ahead of upcoming fixtures, plus a locker-room cough of relief from fans who finally got a longer warm-up break.

Jude Bellingham denies Alonso feud rumors; Real Madrid image Getty
La Liga

Bellingham Fires Back at Alonso Feud: Denial Goes Viral and the Locker Room Keeps Calm

Jude Bellingham strongly denies claims of a dressing-room split during Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid. The uproar followed reports from The Athletic about tensions, allegedly contributing to Alonso’s departure after the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Bellingham’s statement pushes back on sources and urges readers to question sensational headlines. The piece connects context to a broader saga around squad dynamics and leadership in Madrid.

Egypt appoints Spanish basketball coach Augusti Golbi as head coach
basketball

Spanish Coach Augusti Golbi Takes Charge of Egypt's National Basketball Team

The Egyptian Basketball Federation announced the appointment of Spanish coach Augusti Golbi as head coach of the men’s national team. The decision followed a vetting process of several foreign candidates. Golbi brings extensive coaching experience across top clubs, and the federation hopes his leadership will spark a new era for Egypt ahead of World Cup qualifiers. Expect a tactical, fast-paced style with a dash of humor on the sideline.

Fabinho red card against Damac in the Saudi Pro League
Roshen Saudi Pro League

Fabinho's Red Card Drama: Al-Ittihad's 1-1 Draw Tinged by Disciplinary Woes

In a 1-1 draw between Al-Ittihad and Damac, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was sent off with a second yellow in stoppage time. The dismissal rules him out of the next league match against Al-Ettifaq. It marks his second red card of the season and the third with Al-Ittihad since arriving in 2023. The incident adds to a surprising disciplinary tally for a player who had not been sent off before joining the club.

Al-Ittihad defense pursuit of Jihad Zakri in Saudi Pro League winter window
Saudi Pro League

Al-Ittihad makes a strategic push for a Qadsiah defender in the January window

Al-Ittihad is reportedly pursuing Jihad Zakri from Al-Qadsiah to reinforce their defense during the January transfer window. Coach Sergio Conceicao is pushing for several additions to strengthen key areas. Zakri, a Saudi international defender, is at the center of talks amid interest from other clubs, with a loan arrangement being explored. The move would heighten competition for central defense in the Saudi Pro League.

Joao Cancelo Barcelona loan Super Cup interview
transfer

Cancelo’s Catalan chapter: Barcelona win fuels a loan move with a wink

Joao Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal after praising Barca's attacking, possession-based style. He reflects on a Super Cup win over Real Madrid, vows to adapt quickly, and confirms that this Barcelona is stronger than the one he previously knew. He also shares optimism about Lamine Yamal and the squad’s future, while stressing that rival Madrid’s fate doesn’t touch Barca. A couple of light-hearted quips close the piece.

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2026 sacking image
El Clasico

Not Fair, Not Final: Alonso Refuses Real Madrid Exit

A new report from The Athletic presents a different take on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid, suggesting he did not agree with the decision. Alonso was reportedly analyzing the loss to Barcelona with his staff when he was abruptly summoned to a training-ground meeting and told of his dismissal. This narrative challenges earlier claims, including those from AS, which said Alonso requested to leave and resigned. The piece adds that the club’s crisis ran deeper than the Clasico, centered on locker-room tensions. Real Madrid then moved to install Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach to restore discipline after a painful 2-3 final against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Xabi Alonso coaching news 2026 three clubs eye him
transfers

Alonso on the radar of three European giants after Real Madrid exit

Xabi Alonso, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, has drawn interest from three major European clubs. A restarted coaching career is on the table, with his success at Leverkusen keeping him in sight. While a Spain-based move is unlikely this season, teams across Europe are weighing options. The futures of key managers are debated, and Tottenham and Manchester United are also mentioned as potential targets, albeit with instability on the bench.

Walid Al-Faraj Ronaldo apology live video in Jeddah
SuperCup

Live, Laugh, Ronaldo? Walid Al-Faraj’s On-Air Correction Sparks Soccer Night in Jeddah

Saudi sports host Walid Al-Faraj issues a live on-air apology for a Ronaldo-related misstatement. He clarifies that Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to attend the Spanish Super Cup final. Analyst Hani Al-Dawood playfully nudges him to say sorry, and Al-Faraj complies. The night also features Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Real Madrid in Jeddah and Al-Hilal’s 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr in the Roshen Saudi Pro League. The piece notes Ronaldo’s rumored itinerary and the evening’s official results.

Joao Cancelo Barcelona loan photo Getty Images
transfers

Cancelo Returns to Barcelona on Loan: A Spark for Camp Nou with Long-Term Questions

Joao Cancelo makes a joyful return to Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal until season’s end. He describes Barca as the club that excites him most to play for and expresses hope to help them win more trophies. The move comes with questions about his future beyond the loan, given his contract with Al Hilal. Barcelona emphasizes the fresh energy he brings, while Cancelo recalls a lifelong connection to the club and his admiration for its playing style. The piece also touches on his football journey from Benfica to Valencia and Manchester City.

Real Madrid Alonso era locker room five backers three dissenters
La Liga

Inside Real Madrid's Alonso Era: Five Backers, Three Skeptics, and a Locker Room Reckoning

New reports reveal a clear split in Real Madrid’s locker room during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, contributing to a crisis that ended his brief spell. The Athletic identifies two camps inside the squad, with five players backing Alonso and four uneasy allies. A third group privately doubted the coach, fueling tensions. The piece also notes a controversial attempt to impose a fitness regime, underscoring broader friction.