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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.

Al Ahli Jeddah stages a dramatic remontada against Al Qadsiah to reach the King’s Cup semifinals on penalties.
King's Cup

Lightning Comes Back: Al Ahli Jeddah Stuns Al Qadsiah in a King’s Cup Thriller to Reach the Semis

Al Ahli Jeddah staged a dramatic comeback against Al Qadsiah, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the King’s Cup quarterfinals. The match added to a season of remontadas for the club, underscoring their mental strength and attacking depth. Al Qadsiah started strong and led 3-1, but Al Ahli turned the tide in the second half, forcing extra time and a shootout. The narrative repeats itself: never count out the “Remontada King.”

Mohamed Awad benched as Zamalek rotates goalkeepers before CAF Confederation Cup match
CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek's goalkeeper rotation sparks controversy ahead of CAF Confederation Cup clash

Zamalek benched Mohamed Awad for the Kaizer Chiefs match, favoring Mohamed Sobhi with Mahmoud El Shenawy on the bench. The move fuels ongoing debates about the club's goalkeeper role during a season of GK turmoil. The article also tracks Mehdi Suleiman's situation as rotation continues, with tensions off the pitch adding to the drama. A South Africa showdown in the CAF Confederation Cup sets the stage for more keeper controversy and bench previews.

Ogier celebrates ninth WRC title in Jeddah, 2025
World Rally Championship

Ogier Strikes Ninth World Rally Championship Title, Tying Loeb’s Record in a Dramatic Jeddah Duel

Sébastien Ogier seals his ninth World Rally Championship title in Jeddah, matching Sébastien Loeb’s record. The Toyota driver overcomes a late rally challenge from Elfyn Evans to clinch the overall win by four points. Evans started the weekend with a three-point lead but Ogier’s pace and tactically smart driving prevailed in the final standings. Neuville won Rally Saudi Arabia, while Ogier’s season featured six wins and ten podiums across 11 rounds.

Aurélien Tchouaméni in action for Real Madrid in Athens
La Liga

Midfield Masterpiece in Athens: Tchouaméni Reignites Real Madrid's Pulse

Real Madrid rediscovered their winning rhythm thanks to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who anchored the midfield and steadied the team under Xabi Alonso. In Athens against Olympiakos, the Frenchman proved to be the conduit for most Madrid moves, influencing possession, passing, and transition. According to AS, Madrid ended a three-game winless run, a relief after a tense spell that had unsettled the squad. Alonso acknowledged room for improvement but stressed that securing the victory was the priority. The article also underscores the ongoing reliance on Tchouaméni as a fundamental piece in Madrid's midfield setup.

Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh Getty Images
transfer

Al Nassr’s Urgent Bid for a Foreign Striker Hits Silence in January Window

Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has urged Al Nassr to sign a foreign striker in the upcoming winter window. The request is aimed at boosting both domestic title chances and ACL ambitions, especially as the schedule remains dense. Management has yet to act, hinting that departures of Wesley and Mateus Bento could shape any move. The coach is also eyeing defensive reinforcement and a UAE camp before the next phase of the season.

Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu during a tense match, illustrating the midfield puzzle.
Serie A

Inter's Midfield Mystery: Calhanoglu's Brilliance, Yet Wins Slip Away

Inter struggles to convert strong performances into victories, suffering defeats to Milan and Atletico Madrid while Calhanoglu shines individually. The article examines the paradox of a team that dominates at times but collapses at decisive moments. It also highlights midfield instability, transfer rumors, and the search for a balance that can restore momentum in Serie A and Europe. The piece ends with light, tongue-in-cheek lines about the ongoing puzzle.

Madrid's makeshift backline under Alonso battles repeated injuries to defend Courtois
La Liga

Madrid’s Backline Carousel: Alonso’s Quest to Tame a Perpetually Injured Defense

Xabi Alonso has had to juggle Real Madrid’s defense this season, fielding 12 different backlines across 18 games due to persistent injuries. The rotating system has tested his patience and tactics, yet the side has shown resilience. A few trusted pieces occasionally align, but the injury clock keeps forcing reshuffles. Amid the chaos, the defense has still managed solid numbers, underscoring both the fragility and grit of Madrid’s rear.

Liverpool defensive crisis and set-piece struggles against Premier League rivals
Premier League

Set-Piece Storm and Defensive Discord: Liverpool's Season Takes a Rough Turn

Liverpool are in a defensive wobble this season, plagued by structural flaws, individual errors, and a faltering high press. Set-pieces have become a fresh burden, aggravating gaps across the pitch. Arne Slot publicly criticized the defensive display ahead of a crucial European clash. The analysis points to a lack of intensity in duels and misalignment in midfield, suggesting changes may be needed to salvage their campaign.

Merih Demiral in Al-Ahli gear during renewal talks
transfer

Al-Ahli Jeddah Secures Merih Demiral: Renewal Talks Heat Up as European Links Fade

Al-Ahli Jeddah is finalizing a contract extension for Turkish defender Merih Demiral, with an official announcement anticipated soon. His deal runs through the current season, leaving room for a January signing or a summer move if no agreement is reached. Reports from Saudi media claim a renewed contract is in place, ending fans’ anxieties about a possible departure amid Euro rumors. Demiral joined Al-Ahli in 2023 from Atalanta for around €17 million and has been a defensive linchpin, forming a strong partnership with Roger Ibanez and contributing to the team’s solid backline.

Chelsea financial scandal 208,521 pounds Claire Walsh Westminster Court
Premier League

Chelsea’s Loyalty Scam: A Financial Scandal That Started in the Boardroom

A Chelsea employee admitted fraud after abusing her position to siphon money from the club’s finances. The case highlights governance risks within the club. ESPN reports the 39-year-old’s guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with sentencing to follow at Crown Court. Walsh’s actions prompted questions about financial oversight and sparked broader scrutiny of resource management at Chelsea. The story ends with a bail release and a pending Crown Court hearing.

SmackDown recap: LA Knight and The Usos edge closer to Cena showdown
WWE

SmackDown’s Power Move: LA Knight and The Usos Close in on Cena’s Final Showdown

SmackDown delivered high-stakes drama as the Time is Running Out tournament tightens the path to Cena’s final big match. LA Knight and The Usos secured semifinal holds for December 5, setting up a potential Cena showdown. A backstage shuffle, a surprise draw swap, and a dramatic WarGames build added layers of intrigue. The night also advanced other storylines ahead of Survivor Series, with finishers and new feuds shaping the Road to Cena’s retirement.

Zamalek vs Kaiser Chiefs CAF Confederation Cup South Africa photo
CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek Eyes a Breakthrough Against Kaiser Chiefs in South Africa

Zamalek travels to South Africa to face Kaiser Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, seeking a fresh win after opening with Zesco United. Historical clashes show a slight edge for South African sides over the White Knight. The match at Peter Mokaba Stadium could shift the balance in Africa’s secondary club competition. Zamalek hopes to start a run that buckles the SA advantage, with memories of past battles fueling the pursuit.

Adil Bashir Iraqi football coach portrait
Arab Cup

Adil Bashir: The Iraqi Football Legend Who Built a Legacy with a Military Edge

Iraq’s football milestones owe much to Adil Bashir, a coach and administrator with a military background who steered the national team to Arab Cup glory in two editions. Born in Mosul in 1926, he combined playing, refereeing, and federation leadership to shape Iraqi football through the 1960s and early 1970s. His three coaching spells yielded a record of 21 wins in 30 matches, plus historic Arab Cup titles in Kuwait and Baghdad. Bashir’s influence extended beyond the pitch, touching administration and development across Iraqi football.

Laporta reveals Xavi’s departure saved Lewandowski at Barcelona
La Liga

When a Coach Leaves, a Striker Finds His Spark: How Xavi’s Exit Rescued Lewandowski at Barcelona

Polish biographer Sebastian Staszewski shares new chapters from Lewandowski’s Barça saga. Laporta reportedly admitted that Xavi’s departure as coach was a turning point that revived the striker’s confidence. The narrative credits Hansi Flick’s arrival, a galvanizing Gavi, and Barça’s renewed spirit for Lewandowski’s comeback. The piece also revisits Xavi’s legendary Barça journey and his eventual departure, framing a broader saga of revival and resilience.

Bayern Munich vs St. Pauli clash at Allianz Arena
Bundesliga

Bayern Munich vs St. Pauli: Bundesliga’s Clash of Contrasts

Bayern Munich aim to rebound after a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, hosting St. Pauli in Munich. Bayern sit atop the Bundesliga with a blistering 10-1-0 record from 11 games, while St. Pauli endure a slump following an encouraging start. The piece highlights Bayern’s prolific scoring and club records, set against Pauli’s goal drought and late rally potential. Expect a match that tests form against history in front of a packed Allianz Arena.