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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.

Roger Ibanez injured; Al-Ahli eyes derby win over Al-Shabab in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Ibanez Out as Al-Ahli Brace for Derby Clash with Al-Shabab: A Defensive Pillar in Doubt

Al-Ahli's Brazilian center-back Roger Ibanez is sidelined by an injury ahead of a high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Shabab. The match, set for Friday at the Al-Enma Stadium in Jeddah, tests the team’s defense and coach Matthias Jaissle’s plans. Mohammed Suleiman Bakr is the likely acting replacement as Ibanez’s absence looms large over the setup. The piece also touches on Ibanez’s past contributions, ongoing contract, and lingering European interest, plus a têt-a-tête off the pitch about a potential formal partnership with Al-Shabab. Expect a tense derby with high expectations and a dash of drama on and off the field.

Messi reveals top 10 young talents, excluding Lamine Yamal
mercato

Messi Drops a Global Top 10: Madrid's Next-Gen Stars Lead the Line, Yamal Left Out

Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, unveils a list of the world's top 10 young talents, notably excluding Lamine Yamal. The lineup blends European and Latin American talent, with Nico Baz atop the list and Real Madrid eyeing his potential buy-back. Baz’s ascent at Como and his Argentina caps raise eyebrows as Barcelona supporters wonder about the future. The piece also outlines Real Madrid's broader strategy to refresh midfield by 2026, pairing young stars with veteran guidance for a sustainable future.

Egypt secures a 2026 World Cup berth and faces new ranking dynamics and groups in the expanded 48-team tournament hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
World Cup 2026

Egypt’s World Cup Quest 2026: Ranking Shifts, Potential Groups, and a Dream Back on the Big Stage

Egypt clinches a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico after an impressive African campaign. Led by Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs aim to break new ground at a tournament expanding to 48 teams. The piece analyzes current FIFA rankings, potential pots, and likely opponents, while revisiting Egypt’s World Cup history. It concludes with outlooks on group dynamics and the uphill climb to the knockout stages.

Frenkie de Jong Barcelona renewal 2029
La Liga

De Jong commits to Barcelona for the long haul: a renewal that shouts 2029

Frenkie de Jong has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2029, signaling his intention to stay for years to come. The deal includes a 500 million euro release clause and places him in the same salary tier as Pedri and Rafinha. This renewal, amid past transfer speculation and financial tensions, cements his role as a cornerstone of X por Deco’s project under Laporta. Barcelona’s move aims to stabilize the midfield long term and build a path toward sustained success.

Franck Kessié back to Europe: Juventus target amid transfer talks
Transfers

Kessié’s European Comeback Gambit: Will Juventus Break the Bank?

Juventus are ramping up their winter transfer activity to strengthen a squad hit by injuries. Franck Kessié, currently at Al-Ahli, is highlighted as a potential European return. Salary hurdles and a 2026 contract cliff threaten the deal, underscoring how European pedigree and financial pragmatism collide in this transfer window. The piece explores why Kessié fits Juventus’ needs and what would have to give for the move to happen.

San Marino hopes for a World Cup miracle despite long odds
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Tiny Nation, Big Dreams: How San Marino’s World Cup Quest Defies the Odds

In a sport that celebrates power, San Marino has somehow become the poster child for improbable progress. The team, ranked near the bottom of the world, has already stunned expectations with two surprising Nations League wins. A quirky qualification system could still place them in World Cup playoffs, if a cascade of results falls just right. This piece breaks down the math, the moments, and the maddening beauty of a dream that refuses to quit.

Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026 draw image
World Cup 2026

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Quest: Seedings, Stakes, and a December Draw That Could Shuffle the Pot

Saudi Arabia sealed a World Cup berth after a draw with Iraq in the Asian playoff. The team now eyes the December draw in the United States to see which group they’ll face in 2026. With 28 teams already qualified, Saudi’s seed depends on FIFA rankings, potentially landing them in the third pot. The piece explains seedings, possible opponents, and scenarios for the Green Falcons ahead of the big reveal.

Nico Schlotterbeck contract talks Dortmund ahead of Bayern Klassiker
transfer

Dortmund’s Quiet Bid to Lock Down Nico Schlotterbeck’s Future Before the Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund is pushing to clarify Nico Schlotterbeck’s future as they approach the Klassiker with Bayern Munich. The club emphasizes patience and focus on the team’s trajectory rather than salaries. Sky Germany reports a contract is ready to sign, but the defender is weighing sporting progress before committing. Pundits like Lothar Matthäus see a big future for Nico at top European clubs, potentially including Bayern, while Dortmund hopes he stays.

Getty Images photo of Kovac ahead of Bayern-Dortmund Klassiker
Bundesliga

Kovac Prepares the Bundesliga's Classic Clash: Bayern-Dortmund's High-Stakes Showdown

Two undefeated teams clash at the Allianz Arena as the Bundesliga title race heats up. Kovac reflects on Bayern's status as favorites while acknowledging Dortmund's quality. He emphasizes the importance of team balance, discipline, and collective defense ahead of a match where every moment counts. The conversation blends respect for rivals with a reminder that football remains unpredictable—and funny moments often sneak in between the suspense.

PSG faces a wage-policy clash as Dembélé leverages his Ballon d’Or win, testing the club’s merit-based pay principles.
mercato

Golden Ball, Bigger Paychecks? Dembele Faces PSG Pay Policy in Looming Showdown

Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or 2025 win triggers talks of a substantial salary increase as PSG debates how far merit-based pay should go. PSG’s strict wage policy, reinforced by Luis Campos, targets fairness and financial stability. Donnarumma’s exit after no contract extension compounds the tension, while the club weighs two paths: honor the award with a raise or uphold the policy. The situation could redefine PSG’s approach to salaries if Dembele’s demands collide with the club’s long-term project.

Italy vs Israel Euro 2026 qualifier Getty Images
European Qualifiers

From Udine to the World Cup Dream: Gattuso's Italy on the Brink with Retegui Shining

Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Israel in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Matteo Retegui struck twice, Gianluca Mancini added a third in Udine, and the Azzurri kept their playoff hopes alive. With two games left, Italy sit three points behind Norway, eyes fixed on either direct qualification or a playoff. Gattuso has already shaped a confident start, while Retegui’s form signals a growing attacking threat.

Barça locks Frenkie de Jong in until 2029 with a 500M€ release clause, reinforcing the midfield core under Deco and Xavi.
contract renewal

Barça Secures Frenkie de Jong Until 2029: A Decisive Milestone for Xavi's Project

Barcelona announces Frenkie de Jong’s contract extension through 2029. The deal includes a 500 million euro release clause and places his salary among Barça’s top stars. Negotiations followed a strategic shift in representation and support from the club’s leadership. The renewal reinforces Barca’s long-term project under Deco and coach Hansi Flick, with De Jong already a defensive and creative backbone.

Al-Sadd announces separation from Felix Sanchez Bas
transfers

Al-Sadd Bids Farewell to Sanchez as Coaches Chase the Next Big Win

Al-Sadd has mutually terminated Felix Sanchez Bas's contract amid a tough run of results. An interim coach will take charge as the club scouts a new foreign manager. Sanchez’s tenure yielded two domestic titles but recent form put the season on a sour note, prompting fan pressure and a quick coaching rethink. Bruno Lage emerges as the leading candidate, with a detailed look at Lage’s past to inform Sadd’s high-stakes hunt for momentum.

Miami Plan sparks tension between La Liga clubs and leadership in Spain
La Liga

When Plans Travel Faster Than the Ball: La Liga's Miami Plan Sparks Clash

The Miami Plan aims to host select La Liga games abroad, stirring a confrontation between clubs and league leadership. Villarreal and Barcelona, alongside La Liga, skipped a key meeting to discuss the project, seen by players as a deliberate snub. Players demand clarity on rights, revenue distribution, and schedule. The dispute highlights the broader debate between globalization and traditional values of Spanish football.

Saudi Arabia celebrates 2026 World Cup qualification with the Green Wave
World Cup qualification

Green Glory: 49 Stars Light the Way for Saudi Arabia to World Cup 2026

Saudi Arabia clinched a historic World Cup 2026 berth after a determined AFC Asian Qualifiers campaign. A goalless draw with Iraq secured top spot in the playoff group, sending the Green to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Across 18 qualifying matches, 49 players contributed to a record seventh appearance and a continued Arab-Asian presence on the world stage. The article highlights key scorers and milestones, underscoring Saudi football’s rising trajectory.

Sabalenka embraces ongoing self-improvement and Djokovic's mental coaching as she pursues more Grand Slam glory.
Tennis

Sabalenka's Ongoing Ascent: Djokovic's Mental Edge and a Drive to Improve Everything

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka says she still has room to improve in almost every aspect of her game, even as she dominates the WTA. In an AFP interview, she credits Novak Djokovic with shaping her mental game and approach to competition. She recalls past doubts and online criticism, then explains how patience and support propelled her to Grand Slam titles. The piece also highlights her ongoing evolution, her bond with Djokovic, and thoughts about life after tennis, including potential ventures beyond the court.

Spain’s depth and dominance in World Cup qualifiers under De la Fuente era
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Spain Plays Football in a Different Universe: Depth That Outshines Absences

Spain’s national team continues its remarkable run, beating Bulgaria and extending its unbeaten streak. Even with a slew of stars sidelined, the squad shows depth, discipline, and a knack for playing the same stylish football. Willy Sagnol’s remark about Spain’s universe reflects a broader truth about La Roja’s continuity. The piece also highlights Spain’s developmental blueprint, which fuels sustained success across generations.

Al Ahly contract renewal update with four players in focus and new coach Torup
Egyptian Premier League

Ahly’s Contract Conundrum: Four Players in Spotlight as Torup Comes On Board

Al Ahly clarifies that contract renewals are not frozen despite rumors. Four players’ deals end this season: Aliou Diang, Ahmed Nabil Coca, Hussein Shahat, and Ahmed Abdelkader. Coach Yees Torup has not opened renewal files and is busy assembling his team. An upcoming CAF Champions League trip to Burundi adds urgency to decisions as talks continue with other players amid occasional offers from abroad.

England manager Tuchel with Jude Bellingham Phil Foden and Jack Grealish trio
World Cup Qualifiers

England's World Cup Hopes Lean on a Bold Trio, Says Scholes as Tuchel Charts a New Course

Paul Scholes argues England won’t win the World Cup unless Tuchel recalls three players, including Jude Bellingham. England have just sealed qualification after strong performances against Wales and Latvia, under Tuchel’s continued management. The decision to omit Bellingham, Foden, and Grealish has sparked debate as the tournament approaches. The piece traces Tuchel’s career and Scholes’s take, ending with light humor.