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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.

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet celebrates after a dramatic AFCON 2025 win over Tunisia
AFCON 2025

Mali's Bold AFCON Dream: Saintfiet praises grit after Tunisia scare and eyeing the Senegal showdown

Mali's coach Tom Saintfiet praised his team's fighting spirit and tactical discipline after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16. Mali won on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals where they will face Senegal. Saintfiet acknowledged the red card that changed the game and highlighted his players' resilience and defensive organization. The coach insisted Mali's ambition extends beyond the next round and aims for the continental title.

Milan and Barcelona duel Nathan Aké transfer in January
transfer

Milan and Barcelona Enter Nathan Aké Saga: January Showdown for a City Defender

AC Milan has joined the race to sign Nathan Aké from Manchester City in the January window, putting them in a direct duel with Barcelona. The Rossoneri aim to strengthen a leaky defense after key injuries. Aké’s versatility makes him a fitting fit for Milan’s back three or four, while Barca eyes him as a remedy to Christensen's injury. Negotiations could wrap up in the final week of the window, with Milan also weighing other options.

Mali faces a historic test against Senegal in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals in Morocco.
AFCON 2025

Mali's 29-Year Drought Against Senegal Faces a Crucial AFCON 2025 Quarterfinal Clash

Mali seeks to end a decades-long winless run against Senegal as they meet in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals in Morocco. Senegal arrives riding momentum, reaching the last eight for a second straight edition. Mali’s record against the Lions remains a heavy burden, with their last win dating back to 1997. The victors move closer to the semifinals, following Tunisia’s penalties and Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan.

Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia's AFCON 2025 exit against Mali
AFCON 2025

Deep Strikes, Deeper Issues: Tunisia’s Coach on AFCON Exit and a Future under Scrutiny

Tunisia's coach, Sami Trabelsi, expresses sorrow after the Africa Cup of Nations exit to Mali on penalties. He acknowledges the tough match and takes responsibility, while rejecting immediate resignation, calling for a broader evaluation of the team. He stresses rational analysis and says the issues go beyond his role. This exit marks Tunisia’s second straight failure to reach the quarterfinals, following 2023 in Cameroon.

Rodrygo Real Madrid transfer plan to leave
transfers

Rodrygo’s Exit Blueprint: Real Madrid’s Star Weighs a Premier League Move

Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, is reportedly planning to leave under coach Xabi Alonso. He and his father have drawn up a departure plan and are exploring a move for next season. The process involves a new agent and talks with top representatives offering a sizable signing bonus. Manchester City and Arsenal have shown interest, with the Premier League appearing to be the likely destination given a deal around 100 million euros. A dedicated agent will lead negotiations to find a suitable new club.

Preview of Real Madrid vs Real Betis in La Liga as Tchouaméni risks suspension and Madrid's midfield faces tests in early 2026.
La Liga

Yellow Cards and Big Moments: Real Madrid’s Midfield Put to the Test Against Betis

Real Madrid start 2026 with a La Liga clash against Real Betis. The spotlight is on how Xabi Alonso navigates Mbappé’s absence and the midfield dilemma around Aurélien Tchouaméni. Tchouaméni risks a suspension after four yellow cards this season, which could rule him out of the Levante game. Madrid’s numbers underline his importance, with 23 appearances and over 1,800 minutes, plus a goal and five assists. Five Madrid players also sit on three yellows, two bookings from a suspension.

Inter Milan defender Acerbi to join Al Hilal; Cancelo loan decision looms
Transfers

Inter’s Acerbi to Al Hilal as Cancelo’s Loan Could Seal the Winter Deal

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has agreed to join Al Hilal in the winter window. The move is tied to a broader negotiation that would see João Cancelo return to Inter on loan for the rest of the season. Inter expect Cancelo’s arrival to provide an immediate boost while Denzel Dumfries recovers from injury. In exchange, a Inter player could move to Al Hilal as partial compensation, with Cancelo’s wages partly covered by the Saudi club. Negotiations are progressing, with a decision expected next week amid Barcelona’s financial constraints in January.

Abdul Rahman Al-Aboud transfer news with Sergio Conceicao at Al-Ittihad
Saudi Pro League

Al-Ittihad Star Opens Transfer Door Over Dispute With Conceicao

Abdul Rahman Al-Aboud's future at Al-Ittihad takes a turn as reports claim he asked to be placed on the transfer list after missing recent matches. The move follows tensions with Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao and his absence from training. Club officials reportedly requested a meeting to discuss the dispute, but the player did not attend. Al-Ittihad has said no winter departure and will decide after the season, while the player’s contract was extended to 2027.

Real Madrid vs Real Betis 2026 lineup Getty Images
La Liga

Mbappe Out, Bellingham In: Madrid's Bold XI for Betis as Alonso Bets on Vinícius and Rodrygo

Real Madrid kick off 2026 with a La Liga clash against Real Betis at the Bernabéu, a must-win to stay atop the table. Mbappé misses the game due to a knee issue, forcing a reshuffle. Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo lead the attack with Jude Bellingham pushed into a playmaker role. Gonzalo García provides depth on the bench as Alonso tinkers with his XI. This piece also previews the expected Madrid lineup and the stakes in the title race.

Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League post-match interview with Jaissle and Ferdinand
Saudi Pro League

Shock Confession and a 3-2 Thriller: Jaissle Lights Up the Saudi Pro League Post-Merger Moment

German coach Matthias Jaissle stunned a Manchester United icon with a candid remark after Al-Ahli’s 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr in round 13. The win kept Al-Ahli hot on the heels of the league’s leaders and extended a streak against Jorge Jesus. A clip posted by Thamaniya on X shows a brief, revealing exchange between Jaissle and Rio Ferdinand on the pitch. Ferdinand’s questions and Jaissle’s answers highlighted the league’s growing strength and the coach’s confidence. Al-Ahli sit fourth with 25 points, three behind third-placed Al-Taawoun, while Al-Nassr remain top with 31.

AFCON 2025 Mali three draws knockouts Tunisia penalties
AFCON 2025

Deja Vu on the Pitch: Mali’s Three-Draw Route to AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals

AFCON 2025 in Morocco reveals a quirky historical parallel to 2019: teams advance from the group stage to the knockouts after three draws, with no wins on the board. Mali repeats the pattern by ousting Tunisia on penalties in the Round of 16 to set up a quarterfinal against Senegal. This echoes Benin’s 2019 run, when three draws propelled them forward before a penalty upset of Morocco. Mali finished second in a group that included Morocco, Zambia, and the Comoros, earning three points in total.

Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid with a tense Bernabéu crowd during renewal talks
La Liga

Whistles at Bernabéu Put Vinicius’s Renewal in the Spotlight

Real Madrid fears a tense welcome for Vinicius Junior at the Bernabéu in the first 2026 home game against Real Betis, as renewal talks loom. Cadena SER reports the last home match against Sevilla offered plenty of chances and a murky atmosphere. Whistles directed at Vinicius—from the public address system and sometimes the stands—drew considerable attention. The club hopes the reception remains constructive while negotiations continue, with caution about how the moment could shape the season.

Hannibal Majberi post-match interview AFCON 2025 Tunisia Mali
AFCON

Tunisia’s Wake-Up Call: Hannibal Majberi Calls Out the State of Tunisian Football After AFCON Exit

After Tunisia’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 exit to Mali on penalties, Hannibal Majberi delivered a fiery critique of Tunisian football. He argues the sport in Tunisia is about a decade behind and calls for a total rebuild from the smallest unit to the top. Mali moved on to face Senegal in the quarterfinals following a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty win. The remarks ignite a national debate on development, training, and leadership in Tunisian football. A light touch of humor is added at the end to balance the heat.

Conceicao praises Al-Ittihad's performance in the Saudi Pro League win over Al-Taawon, emphasizing chances, a needed attacking presence, and the team's ongoing evolution.
SaudiProLeague

Conceicao hails Al-Ittihad's display as he eyes a forward like Shenqiti

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao praised Al-Ittihad’s performance in a 1-0 win over Al-Taawon, emphasising the importance of creating chances and the need for an elite attacking player. He highlighted the team’s progress across defense and attack and stressed the collective mindset over individual glory. The coach also touched on absences and the club’s improvements amid a busy fixture list, ending with gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Al-Ittihad. A light note of humor closes the piece to keep fans smiling.