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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.

FA Cup Fourth Round draw with big clubs facing potential upsets and exciting ties
fa cup

Big Guns Get a Sweet Fourth Round Draw in the FA Cup — and a Whole Lot of Question Marks

The FA Cup fourth round draw pairs Premier League heavyweights with seemingly kinder opponents after a surprise from Macclesfield. Manchester City await the winner of the Salford City vs Swindon Town tie, while Arsenal host Wigan Athletic and Chelsea face Hull City under their new manager. Several all-Premier League clashes are still possible if results swing, but there are also several lower-league ties that could turn the magic of the Cup on its head. The fixtures are set for mid-February, promising upsets, goals, and a few dream moments for the underdogs.

Mbappe tribute Alonso Real Madrid Instagram post
La Liga

Mbappe Sends a Heartfelt Note as Alonso Bids Madrid Goodbye

Mbappe publishes a heartfelt message to former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso after the club confirms his departure. Real Madrid parts ways with Alonso by mutual consent following a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. Mbappe’s tribute highlights the coach’s clear vision and impact. Arbeloa is named the new first-team manager as the club reshapes its leadership, with Alonso's 34-match spell ending in 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses.

Xabi Alonso first reaction after leaving Real Madrid
La Liga

Xabi Alonso's Sudden Real Madrid Break: When Legacy Meets a Digital Clean Slate

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid tenure ends abruptly after the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. Madrid announces a mutual separation, while Alonso deletes posts from his official accounts, leaving a single pinned photo with Florentino Pérez. AS exposes behind-the-scenes reasons suggesting deeper factors beyond the Clasico. Arbeloa is named the new head coach as the club seeks stability and closure, and questions linger about Alonso's final act.

Italian referees chief Antonio Zabi suspended 13 months amid governance tensions in Serie A.
Serie A

Shake-up on the Whistle: Italy’s Referees Chief Suspended 13 Months

The National Federal Court in Italy approved a 13-month suspension for Antonio Zabi, head of the Italian Referees Association, amid allegations of pressuring lower-tier referees to resign. The decision highlights tensions in governance within Italian football. Zabi remains in his role during the appeal period, but cannot perform duties while suspended. The case revolves around alleged manipulations to replace referees by pressuring them to resign rather than accept new assignments. Analysts say the ruling could shape the future of refereeing governance in Italy.

Al Hilal vs Al Nassr Riyadh derby red card controversy
Saudi Pro League

Red Card Controversy Roils the Riyadh Derby: Was the Keeper’s Expulsion a Bad Call?

A refereeing expert argues Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s sending-off in the Riyadh derby was incorrect. Al Hilal defeated Al Nassr 3-1 at Kingdom Arena in round fifteen of the Roshan Pro League. The dismissal occurred in the 60th minute after a VAR review related to an incident with Robin Neves. The pundit suggested the yellow card would have sufficed, highlighting the difficulty of the incident. The episode underscores ongoing scrutiny of refereeing decisions in Saudi football.

Ronaldo Messi chants Riyadh derby image
Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo Faces Messi Chants in the Riyadh Derby: A Kiss and a Goal Against the Chanting Crowd

In the Riyadh derby between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo is taunted with the classic Messi chants. He responds non-verbally with a kiss to the crowd before guiding his team to a late goal. The scene unfolds at Kingdom Arena, highlighting the spicy tension of the Saudi Pro League rivalry. The article captures the playful yet intense atmosphere surrounding one of football’s most storied rivalries.

Vinícius Júnior and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid
transfers

Vinícius Jr. Bets on Alonso’s Future: Real Madrid’s Next Move Unfolds in Quiet Drama

Vinícius Júnior paused his Real Madrid renewal to wait for Xabi Alonso’s future. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the Brazilian was cautious until the coach’s status was clarified. Alonso’s departure followed a Saudi-hosted Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, shaking Real Madrid’s plans. With Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in, Madrid eye renewal talks under new terms amid lingering tensions.

Ronaldo scores for Al Nassr in the Riyadh derby against Al Hilal – Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo’s Riyadh Derby Dynamo: A Lethal Strike Sparks Al Nassr over Al Hilal

Ronaldo shone once more in the Riyadh derby, scoring for Al Nassr against Al Hilal. He opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a precise finish from the right. It marked a second consecutive goal against the same rival this season. The Portuguese forward sits on 15 goals in 14 Roshn Pro League games, while adding another contribution in the clash. The match fuels Al Nassr’s championship push and keeps Ronaldo at the center of attention.

Real Madrid Arbeloa Zidane Klopp coaching rumors 2026
coaching-change

Madrid's Quiet Gamble: Arbeloa Steps Up as Zidane and Klopp Enter the Frame

Real Madrid dismissed Xabi Alonso after losing the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona, paving the way for Álvaro Arbeloa to take the helm. The move appears temporary, likely lasting until season’s end, with Arbeloa promoted from the youth ranks. Fabrizio Romano notes Arbeloa was a fallback option since December, while Zidane’s Bernabéu visit stirred talk but didn’t signal a return. No formal agreement exists yet, as Perez eyes top-tier names and waits for the right moment after the World Cup.

Simone Inzaghi leans on Saudi talent as Al Hilal hosts Al Nassr in the Riyadh derby, blending domestic power with foreign experience in the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi Pro League

Locals Lead the Charge: Inzaghi Bets on Saudi Talent in Riyadh Derby

Simone Inzaghi leans on Saudi players as Al Hilal hosts Al Nassr in a high-stakes Riyadh derby. The coach fields a Saudi-heavy starting XI, while the squad still features a strong foreign lineup. The match takes place at Kingdom Arena in Round 15 of the Saudi Pro League, with absences shaped by AFCON 2025 and ongoing transfers. The piece details the lineup, missing internationals, and the balancing act between local pride and international firepower. A light-hearted closer adds a touch of humor to the tension of the derby.

Ghazl El Mahalla vs Al Mokawloon Capitals Cup photo
Capitals Cup

Egypt’s Capitals Cup Sparks as Ghazl El Mahalla and Mokawloon Set Quarterfinal Push

Ghazl El Mahalla and Al Mokawloon-Arab (El Mokawloon) boosted their quarterfinal hopes with decisive wins, intensifying the Capitals Cup group race. Al Mokawloon beat ENPPI 2-1, with Joakim Ogiera netting twice and Ahmed Al-Ajouz scoring for ENPPI from a late penalty. Ghazl El Mahalla defeated Ceramica Cleopatra 1-0 thanks to Ashraf Magdy, while Al Ahly had already won 4-1 against Pharco in the prior round. The standings now show Tala’ea El Gaish leading, with ENPPI and the other teams close behind, setting up a final round full of tension. The last matchday on Thursday and Friday will decide who advances, with Al Ahly needing favorable results to reach the knockout stage, and others hoping to derail their path.

Real Madrid fires Xabi Alonso; Arbeloa named as new coach
managerial-change

Real Madrid fires Xabi Alonso; Arbeloa takes over in quick managerial reshuffle

Real Madrid announces the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso after the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. The club quickly confirms Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor, promoting from within the academy to lead the first team. Arbeloa’s appointment follows a historic youth development run at Real Madrid, while Alonso’s tenure ends after a single season. The move comes in the wake of Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and signals Madrid’s confidence in its internal coaching pipeline. The statement emphasizes gratitude toward Alonso and optimism for Arbeloa’s impact.