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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.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addresses Espanyol derby and defense
La Liga

Flick Faces 2026: Can Barcelona Fortify the Backline in January?

Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick tackles the first tough question of 2026 as the new year begins. The Blaugrana head into the Espanyol derby with top spot in La Liga and defensive concerns after Christensen's knee injury. Flick signals the need for a January defensive addition, though admitting it will require club approval. He remains hopeful that a beneficial deal can be reached after discussions with management. The piece also previews Barca's Spanish Super Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao and a broadcast on the Eight app.

CAF appoints an all-Egyptian refereeing crew for the Algeria vs Congo DR AFCON knockout clash in Morocco.
AFCON

Egyptian Whistles Take Center Stage as Algeria Versus Congo DR in AFCON Knockout

CAF appoints an all-Egyptian refereeing crew for the Algeria vs Congo DR AFCON knockout clash in Morocco. The match is scheduled for Tuesday in the tournament hosted by Morocco. Algeria topped Group 5 with maximum points, while Congo DR finished as runners-up in Group 4 on goal difference with Senegal. The crew includes Mohamed Maarouf as referee, with a full Egyptian support team, marking the first time this edition that Egyptian officials oversee matches.

Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Gulf Cup

Jeddah Wins Hosting Rights for Gulf Cup 27, Promising a Spectacle in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia’s football federation announced Gulf Cup 27 will be staged in Jeddah this year. The tournament runs from September 23 to October 6, with matches at two venues in the city. Bahrain is the defending champion after a victory over Oman in the last final hosted by Kuwait. This edition marks Saudi Arabia’s return to Gulf Cup hosting after 12 years, with Qatar having previously lifted the trophy in 2014. Expect a festive atmosphere, modern facilities, and regional bragging rights on the line.

Timoumi Tanzania AFCON clash
AFCON

Morocco Legend Timoumi weighs in: Tanzania clash could be a wake-up call in AFCON

Mohammed Timoumi, Morocco’s former star, says the Tanzania knockout clash in the Africa Cup of Nations won’t be easy for the Atlas Lions. He warns that knockout games are always high risk and urges Morocco to treat Tanzania with respect despite history. Timoumi expresses confidence in Morocco’s ability to progress while acknowledging Tanzania’s energy and hunger. He also notes Morocco’s 3-0 win over Zambia and calls on fans to stay behind the team to chase the dream.

Getty Images Real Madrid Barcelona Spanish Super Cup 2026
Spanish Super Cup

Spanish Super Cup 2026: A Money Boost Sparks Buzz for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Co

Four Spanish clubs will compete in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup, with the event broadcast on the Eight app. The tournament kicks off with Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao, followed by Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid. Prize money rises to 23 million euros, distributed among the four clubs. Mundo Deportivo explains revenue streams and the allocation for amateur football, wrapping up with a touch of humor on money and football.

Bosnian referee Irfan Bilito officiating Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

When the whistle roars: Bilito sets the stage for Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr in the Saudi Clasico

Bosnian referee Irfan Bilito will officiate the Roshen Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr. The 41-year-old has a history with Saudi clubs and is familiar on European stages. He will be supported by two assistants and a VAR duo, with memories of past Al-Ahli games shaping expectations. Ronaldo’s performances under Bilito’s whistle add an extra layer of intrigue as fans anticipate a high-stakes encounter.

Egyptian national football team Gulf Cup 2026 expansion
Gulf Cup

Egypt Eyes Gulf Cup 2026: A Potential Historic Expansion

Gulf Cup organizers are reportedly weighing a broader invite list for the 2026 edition in Riyadh, aiming to include Arab teams beyond the GCC. Egypt is among the nations mentioned as a potential guest, alongside Morocco, Algeria and Jordan. The Egyptian Football Association has not received an official invitation yet, and any decision would come after Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Bahrain remains the defending champion from Gulf Cup 26 in Kuwait.

Ibrahim Maza Bayer Leverkusen Algeria AFCON photo
transfers

Barcelona Sets Sights on Algerian Rising Star Ibrahim Maza

Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old Algeria international at Bayer Leverkusen, amid growing transfer talk. Catalan outlets say Barça has intensified its interest in the youngster who shone at AFCON in Morocco. Maza moved from Union Berlin to Leverkusen for €12 million and is valued around €25 million by Transfermarkt. He has been productive for both club and country, including a goal for Algeria at AFCON.

Chelsea eye Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi after Maresca exit
Transfers

Chelsea's Coaching Hunt Heats Up: De Zerbi Back in Frame After Maresca Exit

Chelsea met Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille coach, this summer as they weighed a replacement for Enzo Maresca, but the Blues are now downplaying the likelihood of appointing the former Brighton chief. Maresca was sacked on New Year’s Day, and a Strasbourg coach, Liam Rozineur, has emerged as a frontrunner. Chelsea also discussed other names like Kieran McKenna, while Marseille remain locked in their title push with De Zerbi at the helm. The decision will hinge on long-term ambitions, playing style, and alignment across the club.

Venus Williams wildcard entry Australian Open 2026 tennis photo
Australian Open

Venus Williams Earns a Wildcard to Chase History at the Australian Open 2026

Venus Williams received a wildcard to compete in the Australian Open 2026. At age 45, she could become the oldest player in the main draw, adding another record to her storied career. With 49 titles including seven Grand Slams, she remains a formidable force and continues to build towards a late-career surge. The American has been preparing with events like Auckland and Hobart, while fans await her 22nd main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam.

Mohammed Noor interview on Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Noor Bets on a Defensive Showdown as Al-Ahli Host Al-Nassr; Nassr Could Halt Al-Hilal

Mohammed Noor, a former Saudi star, argues Al-Ahli will struggle defensively against Al-Nassr in the 13th Roshen Pro League fixture. The home side miss key defender Roger Ibanez due to suspension, raising defensive concerns. Noor also weighs in on Jorge Jesus's readiness after a recent draw and the looming test from Nassr against Al-Hilal. The piece closes with Noor's thoughts on Inzaghi and the overall effort to win titles amid some frustrating moments.

Sofiane Rahimi Morocco AFCON Tanzania training
AFCON

Edge of Glory: Rahimi Signals Morocco’s Hidden Strength Before Tanzania Clash

Sofiane Rahimi, Morocco’s lead striker, says preparations for the Tanzania game are progressing positively. He highlights studying the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses with the team. Fans’ unwavering support is credited as a key motivational boost. Morocco has staged two training sessions focusing on physical, tactical, and technical work as they eye a spot in the quarterfinals. The winner peels off to meet the South Africa–Cameroon winner in the next round.

Morocco vs Tanzania AFCON 2025 Elias Akhmoash
AFCON 2025

Elias Akhmoash Promises a Show for Morocco Ahead of AFCON 2025 Knockouts

Morocco’s winger Elias Akhmoash affirmed the team’s readiness to deliver their best against Tanzania in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16. He highlighted a positive, family-like camp atmosphere and urged fans to keep supporting. Morocco conducted two training sessions to sharpen physical, tactical, and technical aspects ahead of the clash at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The winner advances to the quarterfinals to meet the South Africa–Cameroon winner.

Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr Roshn Saudi League lineup in Jeddah
Roshn Saudi League

When Legends Collide in Jeddah: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr in Roshn Saudi League

Two Saudi giants meet in Jeddah for Roshn Saudi Pro League round 13. Al-Ahli chase a top-table push, while Al-Nassr, leaders, seek to extend their advantage. The clash features tactical plans from Jorge Jesus and Matthias Jaissle, with expected lineups signaling a heated tactical duel. This preview outlines the anticipated lineups and key players to watch, plus a light touch of humor to keep things lively.