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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.

Mbappé praises Spain’s strength while warning that the World Cup is a different challenge; France eyes 2026 glory.
World Cup

Mbappé Sends a World Cup Wake-Up Call to Spain

Kylian Mbappé applauds Spain’s current strength and identity, but warns that the World Cup is a different pressure cooker from the Euros. He praises their tactical unity and young squad, while reminding that experience matters most when the global stage arrives. Mbappé reflects on his own World Cup journeys and shares his dream of bringing the trophy back to France in 2026. He also hints at the mental weight players carry and the need for resilience beyond continental success.

Barcelona nearly signed Luis Diaz from Liverpool before he joined Bayern Munich
transfer

Xavi's Impossible Dream: Barcelona's Bid for Diaz from Liverpool

Xavi Hernández revealed Barcelona pursued Luis Díaz during his time at the helm, but financial constraints made the deal unviable. Díaz later moved to Bayern Munich for €70 million and has since become a key figure for his new club. The report outlines Diaz's impact, Barcelona's financial hurdles, and the ongoing reflection on what might have been for La Liga. The story also highlights quotes from club officials and Diaz about the transfer saga.

Barcelona pursues a cautious Lamine Yamal comeback ahead of El Clásico as injuries test Flick’s squad.
La Liga

Barça’s Glimmer: Yamal Closer to Return Ahead of El Clásico

Barcelona remains cautiously optimistic about Lamine Yamal’s recovery from a groin injury. A potential medical clearance in the coming days could pave the way for his return against Girona, with a Clasico against Real Madrid looming. The plan includes a phased reintroduction, aiming to peak ahead of the big matches while managing other injuries. The club hopes a positive stretch could lift the squad’s mood during a challenging run.

Pedri, Barcelona's midfield maestro, praised by Spain's coach as the heartbeat of the team
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Pedri, Spain's Midfield Maestro, Shines in Europe Qualifiers

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente praised Pedri González after a 2-0 win over Georgia, underscoring Spain's evolving squad and Pedri's pivotal role. The Barcelona midfielder is highlighted as a central figure for both club and country, combining intelligence, technique, and tireless work rate. Opta statistics underline his influence across passing, touches, and ball recovery. The piece also notes the broader depth of Spanish talent and the ongoing process toward the 2026 World Cup.

Al Ahly training session before Burundi clash under new coach Torup
CAF Champions League

A New Era for Al Ahly: Torup Takes Charge Ahead of Burundi Showdown

Al Ahly resumes training at Mokhtar El-Tetsh as they prepare for the CAF Champions League first leg against Eagles Nwar in Burundi. Danish coach Yis Torup will oversee his first session after staff arrival delays. Four players are sidelined by injury or illness, while logistics including a private flight, hotels, visas, and vaccinations are in place for the Burundi trip. Internationals returning from duty add a positive note to a tense build-up.

Saudi Arabia aims for direct World Cup 2026 qualification by hosting Iraq in a pivotal AFC Asian Qualifiers playoff, with Renard seeking a continued edge over Arnold.
World Cup Qualifiers

Saudi Confidence Soars as Renard Faces Iraq’s Coach in World Cup Qualifier Showdown

Saudi Arabia’s Hervé Renard meets Graham Arnold as the Green Falcons host Iraq in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The piece outlines Renard’s head-to-head edge and the stakes, with Saudi aiming for direct qualification and Iraq chasing a path to the global playoff. Home advantage and a recent run of results give Saudi the edge, while key squad updates shape the likely XI. A morale boost comes with Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s return to training ahead of the decisive clash.

Chelsea transfer window controversy Nicolas Jackson loan to Bayern Munich
transfers

Chelsea's Summer Gamble Backfires? Sheringham Calls It a Very Strange Move

Chelsea spent over £300m this summer while selling players for a similar amount. Teddy Sheringham criticizes the deal that sent Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich on loan as a very strange move. The club reshaped under Enzo Maresca with signings Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, and Gouriel Hato, while departures included Jackson, Nkunku, and Madueke. As Chelsea trail Arsenal by five points after seven games, pundits debate the window's wisdom, with some defending Jackson's effort and work ethic.

Zidane eyes coaching return with Juventus in his heart and France as a goal
Football

Zidane Hints at a Comeback: Juventus Stays in His Heart as He Eyes a France coaching Future

French football legend Zinedine Zidane signals a return to coaching in the near future, crediting Carlo Ancelotti for shaping his path. He recalls Real Madrid, Juventus, and his Franco-Algerian roots as defining chapters. His ultimate goal is to coach the France national team, while rumors about other big clubs swirl. The interview blends nostalgia with a clear appetite for the next challenge, sprinkled with light humor about the beautiful game.

Vinícius Júnior Real Madrid Haaland transfer 2025
transfert

Madrid’s Bold Pivot: Could Haaland Replace Vinícius, Then Sell the Brazilian For a Big Payday?

Vinícius Júnior faces a rising wind of speculation as Real Madrid weighs his future amid Xabi Alonso’s arrival and benchings. Saudi interests and a potential blockbuster exit loom, while Haaland remains a long-shot target to replace him. Madrid reportedly paused contract talks, even as his agent discussed status with club leadership. The saga also touches on Haaland’s dominance, Barcelona’s intrigue, and Al-Ahli’s reported bid, painting a high-stakes transfer picture.

Nigeria flight chaos during Africa World Cup qualifiers
World Cup Qualifiers Africa

Flight Turbulence Sparks 12-Hour Delay for Nigeria’s Super Eagles Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Five Premier League stars were in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad when a cockpit windshield crack forced an emergency return. The team endured a 12-hour delay, then secured a second aircraft after government intervention to complete their journey to a World Cup qualifier. The episode followed a 2-1 win over Lesotho and highlighted travel challenges during international windows. The piece also reflects on Nigeria’s rich footballing history and the broader context of Africa’s World Cup qualification.

Alphonso Davies returns to Bayern Munich after ACL injury during international duty
Football

Back in the Game: Alphonso Davies Sets His Sights on a Steady Bayern Munich Comeback

Alphonso Davies returns to the pitch after a 200-day layoff due to an ACL tear. He trains at Bayern Munich’s Säbener Strasse, while teammates Jamal Musiala and Hiroki Ito also rehabilitate from injuries. Davies emphasizes mental strength and a careful, steady path to full fitness. Bayern started the season brilliantly, buoyed by a resilient group and smart recruitment. Transfer talks and future contracts hover in the background, as the club weighs its options for the squad’s depth and star power.

Mark Gio Chelsea 19-year-old forward training hard after Sunderland loan
Premier League

From Sunderland to Chelsea: 19-year-old Mark Gio's Bold Bid for a Starting Spot

Mark Gio, a 19-year-old Spanish forward, aims to prove himself in Chelsea’s starting XI after a chaotic summer and a brief Sunderland loan. He sees himself as a future understudy to Enzo Maresca and is ready to fight for regular first-team action. His return to Chelsea followed Nicolas Jackson’s departure and Liam Delap’s injury, and he is determined to seize every training session and game moment. The road to becoming a Chelsea regular remains open, but Gio’s calm focus and drive keep the dream alive.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui emphasizes a disciplined, non-experimental approach as Congo looms, aiming to extend a historic winning run and push for a top FIFA ranking.
World Cup Qualifiers Africa

Morocco’s Historic Quest: Regragui Sets Sights on Congo and a World-Record Run

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui says there’s no time to blood new players despite a deep pool of talent. Ahead of the Congo clash, he frames the match as a high-stakes bid to surpass Spain’s consecutive-win record. He stresses the importance of maintaining a winning mindset and a strong lineup as CAN approaches. Injuries and squad selection are on the radar as Morocco eyes a top world ranking.

Doha eyes hosting Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in March 2026, reviving a cross-continental clash between Europe and South America.
Finalissima

Finalissima Showdown Heads to Doha: Spain vs Argentina Eye March 2026

Doha is poised to host a marquee Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in March 2026. This cross-continental clash revives a fixture first staged in 2022 at Wembley, where Argentina beat Italy 3-0. The venue choice remains under discussion, but Lusail Stadium in Doha stands out for travel practicality and symbolic ties to world football leadership. The piece revisits the competition’s history and why the clash matters for both nations.

France captain Maignan armband vs Iceland in Mbappe absence
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Captaincy in the Spotlight: Maignan Leads France as Mbappe Misses International Window

France appoints a new captain during the international break with Kylian Mbappe sidelined by injury. Didier Deschamps has chosen Mike Maignan, the Milan goalkeeper, to wear the armband against Iceland. Mbappe’s ankle issue sustained against Azerbaijan forced his withdrawal from the camp, with no direct replacement named. France sits top of their World Cup European Qualifiers group after three wins, while Deschamps defends his captaincy decision amid questions.

Coco Gauff wins Wuhan Open final 2025 and Valentin Foshiro lifts Shanghai Masters title
Tennis

Double Dynamite: Gauff Wins Wuhan as Foshiro Stuns in Shanghai

Coco Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula to win the Wuhan Open singles title, delivering a clean two-set win. In Shanghai, Valentin Foshiro stunned the field to win his first Masters 1000 title, becoming one of the lowest-ranked players to ever lift the trophy. Arthur Rinderknech reached the final, while Roger Federer attended, underscoring a landmark week for non-seeded players. Both finals showcased thrilling comebacks and a changing of the guard in men’s and women’s tennis.

Milan injury update: Pulisic and Salimiaker watched as international duty looms before Fiorentina clash
Serie A

Milan's International Break Takes a Toll Ahead of Fiorentina Clash

Milan are bracing for impact as international duties threaten to sap key players ahead of a crucial Serie A restart. Alexis Salimiaker picked up an injury with Belgium, while Pervis Estupiñán exited a friendly early, prompting questions about availability. Milan’s coach and medical staff are monitoring returns as they eye a tight schedule and a home clash with Fiorentina. The club sits third after a mixed start, with Pulisic leading the scoring and the team eager to rebound. Expect updates on lineup choices as the week unfolds.

Italy edge Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn, stay in the Euro 2026 playoff hunt as Gattuso demands sustained chances and talks lineup changes ahead of pivotal fixtures.
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Gattuso Stands Up for Donnarumma as Italy Rally Through Tallinn: A Roadmap to Euro 2026 Playoffs

Italy clinched a 3-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn, with Moise Kean opening the scoring before an injury forced him off. Matteo Retegui and Riccardo Orsolini added goals, while Biagio Esposito celebrated his Italy debut with a first international goal. Gianluigi Donnarumma had a rare mistake on a cross that Estonia converted, but Gattuso emphasized the need to keep creating chances and maintain intensity. The win keeps Italy in the hunt for playoff football, though changes are on the horizon as Bastoni is suspended and Kean's injury looms. The playoff opponents are likely to include Sweden or Moldova, with a tight battle for second in Group Nine.

Predrag Rajković injury during World Cup qualifiers impacting Al-Ittihad
Saudi Pro League

Old Wound, New Blow: Rajković’s Injury Rattles Al-Ittihad in a Busy October

Al-Ittihad’s Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković suffered a thigh injury while on international duty, forcing his withdrawal from Serbia’s squad for Andorra. The setback follows a long injury history and comes as the club braces for a challenging October. His absence raises questions about depth in goal and the team’s early-season resilience. The coming fixtures, including a Saudi derby and continental ties, will test the defense and coaching decisions.