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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.

Aston Villa vs Feyenoord in Europa League 2025/26
Europa League

Europa League Roundup: Villa’s revival continues, French joy barely touches the ceiling, and Porto edges a late winner

Aston Villa extended their resurgence with a 2-0 win away to Feyenoord. Lille defeated Roma 1-0 and Lyon ousted Salzburg 2-0, while Porto grabbed a dramatic 2-1 win over Red Star Belgrade. Villa sit on six points, while several teams sat atop the group alongside Braga, Lille, Lyon, and Porto. The night also featured Roma’s early push and Nice’s European heartbreak, with a penalty drama featuring Lille’s Berke Özer stealing the show.

Saudi Arabia vs United States 2025 Gold Cup image showing Al-Omari recall
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Injuries Spark a Bold Recall: Al-Omari Returns to Lead Saudi Defense for World Cup Qualifiers

Saudi Arabia brings Abdulilah Al-Omari back into the fold as injuries strike the defensive line. The recall comes ahead of two high-stakes playoff games in Asia for a shot at the 2026 World Cup. Renard’s decision adds experience and stability at center-back just as Indonesia and Iraq loom. The comeback could mark a turning point in Al-Omari’s national-team journey and in Saudi Arabia’s qualification bid.

Arsenal’s big-money signing Victor Giokiris faces the Premier League test as he presses, assists, and hunts for goals in Europe’s top competition.
Champions League

Pressure and Promise: Arsenal's Big-money Striker Giokiris Faces the Challenge of Premier League Grade Expectations

Victor Giokiris, Arsenal’s priciest signing of 2025, impressed with energy and pressing against Olympiakos but failed to finish chances. Arteta publicly backs him, stressing his overall contribution beyond goals. The Swede’s form has sparked debate about his adaptation to the Premier League’s tempo. Juicy potential remains, with teammates and coach urging patience as he searches for his first big tally.

Hojlund Napoli Champions League crest night
UEFA Champions League

Napoli's European Night: Hojlund Shines as United's Stars Spark Elsewhere

Rasmus Hojlund stole the limelight as Napoli beat Sporting CP 2-1, earning Man of the Match. Across Europe, former Manchester United stars picked up individual honors, underscoring a stark contrast with United's form. De Bruyne drew comparisons between Hojlund and Haaland, praising his development. Elanga, Sabitzer, and Rashford also shone for Newcastle, Dortmund, and Barcelona respectively, while United face domestic consternation.

Rooney critiques Slot’s lineup during Istanbul Champions League clash
UEFA Champions League

Rooney Says Slot Would’ve Been Slaughtered If He Dared Emulate Amorim

Wayne Rooney sparked a heated debate by criticizing Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s lineup decisions in their Champions League clash with Galatasaray. He argued that Slot’s approach would have been slaughtered by the media and fans if Ruben Amorim had done the same at Manchester United. The match in Istanbul saw Liverpool stumble to a 1-0 defeat after an unorthodox setup, including a midfielder at right-back and Salah left on the bench. Rooney highlighted how pressure and protection differ between English football and other leagues, adding a sharp, humorous take on managerial risk.

Marcus Rashford Barcelona loan impact after Paris setback during 2025 season
mercato

Rashford's Barcelona Breakthrough: Chasing a Legendary Goal After Paris Setback

Marcus Rashford has continued to dazzle Barca fans on loan from Manchester United, even after a 1-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. He assisted Ferran Torres for the opener and remains a pivotal force in La Liga and the Champions League. Mundo Deportivo highlights his fit under Hansi Flick’s ideas and his evolving, team-first approach. Barca’s left flank has become a constant threat thanks to his pace, vision, and growing chemistry with Lewandowski and Pedri.

Al Hilal defensive philosophy under Simone Inzaghi in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Inzaghi’s Defensive Mirage: Al Hilal’s Tactical Twist That Has Fans Guessing

Simone Inzaghi arrived at Al Hilal amid a storm of ‘defensive coach’ talk, yet what they’ve produced is a nuanced mix of structure and moments of attack. The club’s World Cup run painted a picture of balance: solid at the back with sharp counters and set-piece threats. Early in the season, questions about identity and system persisted as results looked good but the rhythm felt unsettled. The piece looks at whether the Italian coach can sustain this duality and restore the club to domestic and continental glory.

Getty Images Barcelona PSG clash 2025
UEFA Champions League

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Why Flick’s Barcelona Fell to PSG

Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting gaps in structure after halftime. Opta-like stats show Barca lagging in possession, passing efficiency, and ball recovery while PSG controlled the midfield with smart pressing. The result fuels a debate about Flick’s aggressive approach versus the need for balance in big European games. Thierry Henry criticized Barca’s high defensive line, warning that risk-taking must be tempered in Europe. The clash leaves Barca re-evaluating tactics as the season unfolds.

Berke Özer three penalty saves Lille Roma Europa League
Europa League

Berke Özer’s Triple Save: Lille’s Shock 1-0 Victory Over Roma in the Europa League

Lille produced a dramatic 1-0 victory over Roma in the Europa League, powered by Berke Özer’s astonishing three-penalty save spree. Haakon Haraldsson gave Lille an early lead, and Özer’s heroics preserved the win. The match featured a retaken penalty after encroachment and a final save to seal the result. Off the pitch, several other European ties provided a reminder that Europa League nights rarely lack drama. Humor mode: engaged but keep it classy.

Henry slams Flick after Barcelona-PSG clash in the Champions League

Henry Goes After Flick: Barcelona’s PSG setback sparks a sharp public critique

Thierry Henry criticized Hansi Flick’s high defensive line after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. He argued that such a tactic is unsustainable against top teams and warned of exposure in big games. The piece revisits Flick’s career highs and lows, from Bayern’s sextuple to Germany’s World Cup exit, and outlines Barcelona’s ongoing European hurdles. It also highlights pre-match banter from Barcelona players, the social media post from Lamine Yamal, and PSG’s injury absences, before looking ahead to the rest of the group stage.

Al Ahli Jeddah appoints Rui Pedro Baraz as sporting director
Saudi Pro League

From Benfica to Jeddah: Rui Pedro Baraz Becomes Al Ahli’s Sporting Director

Al Ahli Jeddah appoints Rui Pedro Baraz as sporting director, aiming to build a holistic technical and administrative system for the 2025-2026 season. Baraz brings five successful Benfica years, with a data-driven development project and a track record of promoting youth to the first team. The club also beefs up its local leadership with Osama Hawsawi, Amir Toufiq, and Majed Ben Bashir Al-Fahami to drive commercial, media, and international partnerships. Al Ahli sits mid-table in the Saudi Pro League and Asian competition is a major target this season.

Juventus vs Villarreal 2025 Champions League Getty Images
Champions League

Juventus Hit Again as Villarreal Deliver European Jolt

Juventus suffer a fresh setback with Cabal sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against Villarreal in a 2-2 Champions League clash. The diagnosis follows a quick substitution after 15 minutes, adding to Juve’s growing injury woes. Club medicals confirmed a right biceps femoris strain and a two-week follow-up in-depth check. The setback comes amid Juve’s mixed start to the season, setting up a crucial test against a top European opponent.

Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia 2026 World Cup playoff referee controversy image
World Cup Qualifiers

Rivalry Sparks Early Controversy as Indonesia Challenges Referee in World Cup 2026 Playoff vs Saudi Arabia

Indonesia stirs controversy over the appointed referee ahead of the Asian playoff against Saudi Arabia for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The AFC chose a Kuwaiti official, drawing a protest from Indonesia who demand a neutral referee, preferably European. The match kicks off October 8, with Iraq looming in the schedule and the winner earning direct World Cup qualification. Both teams reached the playoff from the third round, after tough results that left Japan and Australia as direct qualifiers.

Luca Zidane Algeria World Cup qualifying photo
World Cup Qualifiers

Luca Zidane: Heir to the Zidane Name Earns Algeria Call-Up for World Cup Qualifiers

Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been called up to the Algeria national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The move comes after he switched sporting nationality and chose to represent Algeria, the homeland of his late father’s ancestors. At 27, he currently plays for Granada in Spain and has a history with France's youth teams. Algeria, leading Group 7, eyes qualification while also securing a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sergio Conceicao emerges as a leading candidate to coach Al-Ittihad as negotiations heat up after Laurent Blanc’s dismissal.
Saudi Pro League

Conceicao’s Next Challenge? A Storied Portuguese Coach Weighs In on Al-Ittihad's Coaching Job

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, the former Milan manager, has clarified his stance on coaching Al-Ittihad as negotiations continue. The Saudi club has been on the lookout for a successor after Laurent Blanc’s dismissal. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested Conceicao opened the door to leading the Tigers, with talks ongoing to seal a formal agreement. The article traces Conceicao’s journey from Olhanense to Porto, then Milan, and finally the current coaching carousel surrounding Al-Ittihad.

Joao Cancelo’s injury sidelines him as he posts cryptic messages; the Al Hilal star navigates tension with management while eyeing a return amid October’s gauntlet.
Saudi Pro League

Cancelo’s Unstoppable Mindset: I Don’t Lose, Even When Knocked Down

Portuguese winger Joao Cancelo, playing for Al Hilal, keeps sharing cryptic messages amid an injury-induced layoff. He insists on an unyielding mindset, fueling speculation about his return. The saga includes a clash with club management, social-media provocations, and an intense October schedule as Al Hilal fights for form and trophies. The article tracks his injury timeline, the leadership tensions, and the looming confrontations in domestic and continental competitions.

Barça’s high defensive line is under scrutiny as they struggle to adapt in the Champions League, highlighting a need for tactical flexibility.
Champions League

The High-Line Trap: Barcelona's Tactical Obsession Costs Them in Europe

Barça’s high defensive line and insistence on a bold pressing game have attracted sharp criticism after a 2-1 defeat to PSG. Critics argue that Flick’s approach is steering the team toward rigidity, turning a core identity into a costly vulnerability. The analysis suggests a need for tactical flexibility against elite opposition. Thierrry Henry and others blame the overzealous defense for repeated concessions in key matches. The piece also highlights past near-misses and argues that Barcelona must balance ambition with pragmatic adjustments to remain competitive in Europe.

Spalletti offered big contract by Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Al-Ittihad Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Spalletti with a Mega Offer

Al-Ittihad reportedly presented a massive bid to Luciano Spalletti to coach in the Saudi Pro League, aiming to replace Laurent Blanc after a rocky start. The deal is positioned as a two-year sustainability plan designed to imprint his philosophy quickly. The move comes as Al-Ittihad faces a demanding schedule, including league derbies and continental clashes. Spalletti’s track record and tactical flexibility make him a compelling fit, though adaptation to the Saudi game remains a question.

Saudi Al-Shabab investment deal Getty Images

Saudi Soccer's Next Big Leap: Private Cash Flows Into the Big Leagues

A historic investment move reshapes Saudi football, centering on Al-Shabab and a top-tier privatization plan. The authorities aim to attract private capital to the sport while sustaining competitive balance. The story tracks the progression from initial privatization to impending announcements and the potential impact on players and clubs. It hints at turbulence for the traditional order, with big clubs expanding their reach.