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Messi leads Argentina for Angola friendly in Luanda; Miami key ceremony
friendlies

Messi Sparks Argentina's Angola Friendly Squad and a Miami Moment of Honor

Lionel Messi headlines a 24-man Argentina squad named for a November friendly against Angola in Luanda, celebrating Angola's independence anniversary. Coach Lionel Scaloni adds several newcomers, including Joaquín Banishi le, Gianluca Prestiani, and Máximo Perroni. The team will train in Elche, Spain before heading to Luanda for the match, with some regulars rested or left out due to club commitments. Off the field, Messi is honored with the Key to the City of Miami during a business forum, underscoring his global impact.

Salem Al-Dosari in action for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

From Asia to Global Spotlight: 21 Days That Crowned Salem Al-Dosari as Saudi Football’s King

In a whirlwind 21 days, Salem Al-Dosari transformed from a domestic star into a symbol of Saudi football’s new era. He dominated continental and world recognition, challenging the sport’s top awards. His record-breaking goals and leadership elevated Al-Hilal and the Saudi national team onto the global stage. The journey faces fresh tests ahead in domestic leagues, continental glory, and upcoming World Cup campaigns.

Athens semifinals see Musetti and Djokovic push toward Turin with historic milestones and late-season momentum in the ATP Tour.
tennis, ATP Tour, Athens

Djokovic and Musetti Seal Athens Semifinals: A Turin Dream Looms

Lorenzo Musetti ousted Alexander Muller to reach the Athens semifinals, joining Novak Djokovic who beat Nuno Borges to advance alongside him. Musetti, world No. 9, eyes the Athens title to secure a Turin year-end berth. Djokovic pursues his 101st career title and a continued dominant run on hard courts. Medvedev ends a long drought with a win in Almaty, while Riyadh adds drama with Djokovic’s post-match apologies.

Zamalek coach Ahmed Abdul-Roof after securing a spot in the Egyptian Super Cup final
Egyptian Super Cup

Zamalek Triumphs in Dramatic Egyptian Super Cup Shootout, Sealing Final Berth Over Pyramids

Zamalek edged Pyramids in a penalty shootout to reach the Egyptian Super Cup final after a goalless 90 minutes. The match showcased a tight tactical duel and resilient defending from both sides. Ahmed Abdul-Roof hailed his players and the fans, while Krunoslav Yurcic acknowledged his team’s effort despite the heartbreak of penalties. The upcoming final pits Zamalek against Al Ahly in a Cairo derby that will steal the spotlight.

Rafael Benitez returns to European competition with Panathinaikos in the Europa League
Europa League

Benitez Returns to European Nights After a Ten-Year Hiatus: A Curious Twist in Panathinaikos’ Europa League Quest

Rafael Benitez makes a rare European comeback with Panathinaikos, ending a ten-year absence. His return, highlighted by a 1-0 away win over Malmö, evokes memories of Istanbul and a career laden with trophies across Valencia, Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea, Napoli, and Real Madrid. The article traces his enduring professional arc, the Istanbul miracle, and the lesson that Madrid’s identity sometimes clashes with pragmatic coaching. A light, thoughtful nod to his pragmatic style concludes the story.

Saudi Arabia 27-man squad for Arab Cup prep in Jeddah with Renard
Arab Cup

Arab Cup Build-Up: Renard Unveils a 27-Man Saudi Squad for November Camp

French coach Hervé Renard unveiled a 27-man Saudi squad for a November training camp in Jeddah, part of the buildup to the Arab Cup in Qatar. The group blends seasoned players with young talents, including Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Salem Al-Dosari and several rising names. Changes were made due to injuries, with Walid Al-Ahmad coming in and Murad Housaoui added for tactical reasons. Saudi will play two warm-up friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria before the tournament, as they push toward the 2026 World Cup.

Nominees for The Best FIFA Awards 2025 featuring Rafinha, Pedri, Yamal, Mbappé, Salah and Kane
The Best FIFA Awards

The Best FIFA Awards 2025: Barcelona’s Trio vs PSG’s Quartet in a Global Nominee Showdown

FIFA reveals the nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025, covering performances from August 11, 2024 to August 2, 2025. The Best Men’s list features 11 players, including Barcelona’s Rafinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, plus PSG’s Vitinha and Dembele. Also in the mix are Salah, Kane, and Mbappe, with departments for coaches and goalkeepers completing the slate. The awards emphasize global football excellence through a broad voting panel that includes fans. A dash of humor is sprinkled as the season’s narrative unfolds.

Century clash in Jeddah: Al Ahli vs Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, exploring history, current form, and disciplinary headlines.
Saudi Pro League

Century Clash in Jeddah: Can Al Ahli and Al Ittihad Write a New Derby Chapter?

The Jeddah Derby returns for its 100th league meeting, a historic milestone in Saudi football. Al Ahli and Al Ittihad clash at the Enmaa Stadium with more than pride at stake: it’s about legacy, not just points. Both sides arrive with contrasting forms, aiming to extend streaks and quiet opponents. The match also features disciplinary headlines that remind everyone these games come with high tension on and off the pitch.

Zamalek vs Piramids Egyptian Super Cup penalties in Abu Dhabi
Egyptian Super Cup

Zamalek Edges Piromids to Set Up Abu Dhabi Final Against Al Ahly

Zamalek advanced to the Egyptian Super Cup final after a penalty shootout victory over Piramids following a goalless 90 minutes in Abu Dhabi. The match highlighted tight defenses and clutch saves, with Nasser Maher earning man of the match honors and Mohammed Awad delivering the decisive stop. The Whites will meet Al Ahly in a high-stakes final, while Piramids face Ceramica Cleopatra for third place. This edition mirrors last season’s final, but the drama came from the shootout this time.

Al Nassr raises concerns over under-21 foreign player rule changes ahead of winter window in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

When Rules Change Mid-Season: Nassr Warns of Integrity Risk in the Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr publicly voices concern over moves by the Saudi Football Federation to alter under-21 foreign-player registration rules. The debate re-emerges ahead of the winter transfer window after prior resistance. Nassr argues that mid-season changes threaten the league’s credibility and fair play. The issue is set against ongoing refereeing debates and comments from Neom’s coach about the upcoming clash.

Jordan calls up West Brom striker Tamer Bany Odeh for friendlies with Tunisia and Mali
Friendlies

Jordan Call-Up Sparks Attention: West Brom Striker Tamer Bany Odeh Named for Tunisia and Mali Friendlies

Jordan’s national team, led by coach Jamal Salami, announces a 30-man squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Mali as part of Arab Cup prep. The roster features a returning Ahmad Arsan and four newcomers, headlined by 22-year-old Tamer Bany Odeh of West Bromwich Albion. The champions lists include multiple domestic stars and several overseas players, with injuries trimming the squad for the camp in Amman and Tunisia. The Olympic team also reveals a 25-man squad for warm-up matches against Syria ahead of Asia Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Al Ahly vs Ceramica Cleopatra Egyptian Super Cup UAE Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Egyptian Super Cup

Handball Sparks Fire: Al Ahly Storms to Egyptian Super Cup Final amid Controversy

Al Ahly edged Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 in the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final held in the UAE, securing a place in the final. The closing minutes were marked by handball appeals from Ceramica that the officials did not review via VAR. Al Ahly goals came from Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and Nets Gradychar, with Marwan Osman scoring for Ceramica. Post-match comments highlighted pride on both sides and reinforced Al Ahly’s longstanding dominance in the competition. The final promises a high-stakes showdown as the Reds chase a historic title tally.

Qatar U-17 vs South Africa U-17 in FIFA U-17 World Cup Doha
FIFA U-17 World Cup

Late Equalizer Keeps Qatar's U-17 World Cup Dream Alive

Qatar’s under-17 team earned a crucial 1-1 draw with South Africa, keeping their chances to reach the knockout stage alive in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha. Italy steamrolled Bolivia 4-0 in the other Group A clash, sealing progression. With one group fixture left, Qatar must beat Bolivia to stay in contention as Italy tops the group. The tournament continues to spotlight young talents and national programs building for the future.

Al Ahly coach Yis Turup celebrating a 2-1 win in the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE
Egyptian Super Cup

Al Ahly’s late strike seals 2-1 win in UAE, final awaits against the winner of Zamalek-Pyramids

Al Ahly beat Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 to reach the Egyptian Super Cup final in the UAE. Trezeguet put the Reds ahead, Marwan Osman equalized, and Nits Gradisar fired the winner. The result sets up a Sunday final against the victors of Zamalek vs Pyramids. Both coaches praised their squads, while debates over officiating and defensive discipline sparked post-match discussions. The win extends Al Ahly’s dominance in the competition’s history.

Salem Al-Dosari earns a spot on FIFA's The Best 2025 shortlist, highlighting his standout season in the Saudi Pro League and Asia.
The Best 2025

Saudi Star Shines on The Best 2025 Nominees List: Will Dosari Earn a Spot in the Dream XI?

Salem Al-Dosari is named among FIFA's The Best 2025 nominees, alongside global stars and fellow Al Hilal teammates. The list also highlights Cristiano Ronaldo and a trio from Al Hilal, underscoring Saudi football's rising influence. Dosari's Asian Player of the Year win and his impressive goal contributions are key talking points. The piece also looks ahead to Al Hilal's upcoming league clash with Al Najmah as the team eyes more glory.

Barcelona defense exposed by Club Brugge in a 3-3 Champions League thriller
Champions League

Brugge’s comeback stuns Barcelona: defense leaks put Flick’s high-press under the microscope

Barcelona show flashes of attacking brilliance but their defense crumbles under pressure. A 3-3 draw with Club Brugge highlights systemic vulnerabilities, despite a refreshing high-press approach under Hansi Flick. The numbers stack up: too many goals conceded and fragile match-to-match consistency. The piece examines why balance remains elusive and what needs fixing beyond the attacking flair.