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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.

Arab Cup 2021 podium Getty Images
NationsLeague

Arab Cup and Nations League: From Emergency Mindset to European Laboratory of Talent

An analysis contrasting the Arab Cup’s secondary squads with Europe’s Nations League. The Arab teams leaned on youth and reserves, revealing a cautious approach and a missing link to Europe’s star talents. The Nations League, born from skepticism, evolved into a serious developmental platform that reshaped how countries build for the future. The piece argues for a strategic shift in Arab football to turn regional tournaments into real stepping stones for generations to come.

Real Madrid training in Valdebebas ahead of Olympiakos clash in Athens, 2025
Champions League

Madrid hit by injury wave as Alonso braces for Athens showdown

Real Madrid arrive in Athens with key injury concerns, including Thibaut Courtois out with gastroenteritis and Din Huisen sidelined by knee pain. The club also faces a fragile defensive situation as they chase form with several winless results in all competitions. Alonso emphasizes resilience and tactical tweaks while acknowledging the tough history Madrid has in Athens. The match against Olympiakos is a critical test that could shape their Champions League campaign.

Al Ahly winter mercato Ahmed Raza Dari Ashraf Dari January loan four signings
Mercato

Al Ahly’s Winter Blueprint: Raza Loan, Dari’s Market, and a Four-Target Strategy

Al Ahly signals a busy winter window with Ahmed Raza potentially going on loan to gain regular minutes. The club also eyes a overseas move for Ashraf Dari and contemplates a Slovenian loan option alongside other incoming targets. A high-level meeting between Mahmoud El Khatib and coach Yis Turup outlined four targeted positions: center forward, left-back, center-back, and a midfielder. The plan unfolds as the team travels to Morocco for the CAF competition, with readiness to adapt if contracts shift.

Rafael Nadal discusses retirement peace, Real Madrid ambitions, and the Alonso–Vinícius debate in a revealing Movistar Plus+ interview.
Real Madrid

Nadal Breaks Silence on Alonso–Vinícius Drama, Post-Retirement Peace, and a Real Madrid Dream

Rafael Nadal lights up Movistar Plus+ with reflections on life after tennis, his inner peace, and how he sees Real Madrid’s future. He discusses his evolving view of competition, the rise of Alcaraz, and the legendary trio. The interview also tackles the Alonso–Vinícius matter with a call for dialogue, and Nedal hints at a possible someday presidency of Real Madrid. A candid portrait of a champion balancing humility, ambition, and a concern for the game’s human side.

Getty Images: Al Hilal vs Al Shabab, Saudi Pro League
Roshn Saudi League

Atif Ruffles Feathers: Is Al Hilal’s Roshn Title Dream Doomed?

Ahmed Atif, the former Al Shabab star, casts doubt on Al Hilal’s title chances in the Roshn Saudi League. He notes Hilal’s 11 straight wins across competitions but argues they struggled against more solid sides. He places Al Nassr as the favorite under Jorge Jesus, while rotation and recent losses add headaches. The piece also recaps Al Nassr’s big win, Al Ahli’s setbacks, and a controversial offside decision that shaped the week’s results. A light touch of humor closes the analysis as the season unfolds.

Iniesta's iconic World Cup final goal and his most beautiful career moment
laliga

Iniesta's Most Beautiful Goal: The Moment That Defined a Legend

Iniesta, a legend of Barcelona and Spain, selects his most beautiful goal among a treasure trove of moments. In a rare interview, he reflects on football's demands, the defining strikes, and the camaraderie that shaped his career. He mentions a Belgium qualifier goal as the prettiest, recalls the famous El Iniestazo against Chelsea, and revisits the 2010 World Cup final. The piece also traces his La Masia roots, his understanding with Xavi, and the joy of football, with a touch of light humor to close.

Asan Ouidraougo Leipzig breakout star ready for a big move
transfers

Leipzig's Teen Sensation Sparks Chelsea and United Transfer Chase

Asan Ouidraougo, a 19-year-old RB Leipzig talent, had a week to remember, debuting for Germany and scoring for his club. The hype has drawn Chelsea and Manchester United into a potential chase, even as Leipzig hold firm with a contract until 2029 and no release clause. He remains focused on Leipzig and the Bundesliga with World Cup 2026 and Champions League ambitions. A string of goals and assists this season marks him as one of Europe’s hottest young talents.

Real Madrid without Courtois in Athens against Olympiakos
Champions League

Madrid in Athens: Courtois Sick, Alonso's Test Against Olympiakos

Real Madrid head to Athens for a high-stakes Champions League clash with Olympiakos, but Thibaut Courtois is sidelined by illness. Xabi Alonso must balance attack and defense as the team seeks to snap a winless run. Madrid have endured a tough stretch domestically and in Europe, putting their group standings under pressure. The Greek hosts, who sit bottom, offer a stern test that could redefine the fixture list for both sides. A decisive night awaits in the Greek capital, with the Blancos hoping for a turnaround.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Champions League clash in London
Champions League

Bayern's Bavarian Blitz Hits Arsenal's Fortress in London

Bayern Munich arrive in London riding top form in the Bundesliga and a commanding Champions League group. Arsenal sit near the summit of the Premier League and seek to extend their winning habit at home in a key European clash. The German giants press Arsenal's defenses with intent, while Arteta's side pride themselves on resilience and set-piece efficiency. The matchup promises a tactical duel, where Bayern will try to exploit gaps and Arsenal will aim to leash their opponent with solid blocks and swift transitions. A historic 15-year-old debut in the competition adds a dash of awe to the night.

Kane returns to North London to face Arsenal in a Champions League clash
Champions League

Kane's North London Homecoming: Can Bayern's Goal-Maker Break Arsenal's Fortress?

Harry Kane returns to North London as Bayern Munich face Arsenal in the fifth round of the Champions League. He has dropped deeper to influence the game beyond scoring, becoming a more complete attacker. Bayern lead both the Bundesliga and the Champions League this season, with Kane central to their success. Arsenal boast a stingy defense and will test Bayern's creativity and set-piece resolve in a high-stakes clash.

Hans Flick scouting Barcelona academy stars for the first team
Champions League

Detail-Driven Flick: The German Architect Behind Barça’s Next Generation

Hans Flick, Barcelona’s methodical coach, is obsessed with detail and discipline, shaping how talent is discovered and developed at the club. Since taking charge, he has focused on integrating La Masia graduates with first-team dynamics, ensuring every young player is watched closely. The article traces Flick’s career from Germany to Bayern and Germany’s national team, up to his 2024 Barcelona tenure and his relentless pursuit of high standards. It also highlights the delicate balance Barça seeks between early breakthroughs and long-term development, with regular updates and coaching involvement. Expect a narrative that blends coaching philosophy with practical steps toward Barça’s future success.

Getty Images: Al-Ittihad vs Al-Duhail clash in AFC Elite
AFC Champions League Elite

Electric Sparks for Al-Ittihad: Noor backs Conceicao and calls for a wake-up jolt

Former Al-Ittihad star Mohammed Noor blames a weak pre-season for the team’s struggles and backs coach Sergio Conceicao despite setbacks. Noor argues that execution, not ideas, is the issue, and calls for a stronger response from players. Ahmed Attif joins the critique, warning that public comments must not destabilize the dressing room. The piece also highlights upcoming West Zone AFC Champions League Elite fixtures and recent results. A light, hopeful note closes with playful snark to lift the mood.

Real Madrid defense under Alonso after Elche draw in La Liga 2025
LaLiga

Madrid’s Defense in Crisis: Alonso’s Real Faces a Fragile Backline

Real Madrid shows defensively fragile moments under Xabi Alonso, highlighted by a 2-2 draw with Elche. The slump follows a sequence of two draws and a defeat, with opposing teams creating more chances. Injuries and tactical tweaks compound the problem as Madrid fights to maintain La Liga leadership. The coach remains confident, insisting the team must press on and improve cohesion. A humorous note to end: even the defense needs a vacation—preferably to a place with fewer shots on target.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona feud explained Perez Laporta rift
La Liga

When Two Giants Break Ranks: The Real Madrid-Barcelona Rift You Didn’t See Coming

A longstanding alliance between Real Madrid and Barcelona has fractured under the weight of power plays, financial scrutiny, and governance battles in European football. The Negreira case, the Super League fallout, and public refusals to see eye to eye have shifted the dynamic from cooperation to confrontation. The piece traces the turning points, including Perez’s sharper rhetoric, Laporta’s bridge-building gestures, and Madrid’s strategic pivot. It ends with a glimpse of how these moves could reshape the European game and the fans’ loyalties.

Real Madrid confronts Olympiakos in Athens, seeking a historic first win in the Greek capital amid a tense run of form.
Champions League

Athens Test: Can Real Madrid Break Their Athens Curse and Spark a Turnaround

Real Madrid head to Athens to face Olympiakos in a high-stakes Champions League midweek clash. The team, coached by Xabi Alonso, has endured a winless run across domestic and European duties, prompting questions about form and tactics. Alonso defends his selections while Vinícius Júnior’s contract talks add another layer of intrigue. The Greek capital test could prove pivotal for Madrid’s season as they chase their first-ever win in the city.

Juventus vs Bodø/Glimt in icy Norway—Champions League preview image
Champions League

Snow, Strategy, and a Shiver: Juventus Faces a Frosty Challenge in Norway

Juventus travel to Bodø/Glimt for a Champions League clash shaped by subzero temps and an artificial surface. Spalletti warns of a difficult away day while urging calm and focus on basics. Juventus are short on points and outside the knockout spots, while Bodø/Glimt look to capitalize on home conditions. The match will test adaptability, discipline, and execution amid a frosty atmosphere and tricky turf.

Leverkusen vs Manchester City Champions League photo with Patrik Schick
Champions League

Leverkusen Chase a Shock in Manchester: Renewed Firepower Sparks Momentum Under Hjulmand

Leverkusen travel to Manchester to test their renewed attacking form under Kasper Hjulmand in a pivotal Champions League group match. After a six-game Bundesliga unbeaten run and a convincing win in European play, they aim to extend their momentum against Manchester City. Patrik Schick’s return adds firepower up front, while a blend of veterans and rising stars fuels the attack. City seek top group position and must contend with Leverkusen’s momentum in a high-stakes showdown.

Alex Garcia targets a special night against Manchester City in the Champions League as Leverkusen seek points in a high-stakes group stage clash.
Champions League

Garcia's Homecoming Showdown: Leverkusen Aim to Upset City in a Champions League Night of Nostalgia

Alex Garcia returns to Manchester for a Champions League clash against his former club, Manchester City. Leverkusen sit fifth in the group with five points, while City chase progression from a tighter group with three wins and a draw. The night blends nostalgia with high stakes in Europe, where history, form, and individual sparks could decide the result. Expect tactical chess, quick transitions, and a few light jokes from the sideline as the drama unfolds.