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Chelsea rotates their squad for a Carabao Cup quarterfinal in Cardiff, resting key players. Palmer is left out despite returning from injury and scoring recently. Caicedo captains the side while Marc Gio leads the attack with support from George and Gittens. The article outlines both teams’ lineups and what to expect from tonight’s clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not participate in the voting for FIFA's The Best award, fueling speculation about his role and engagement. Bernardo Silva acted as his proxy, placing Vitinha and Nuno Mendes as the top two picks. Ousmane Dembélé won The Best 2025, adding to his recent Ballon d'Or, with PSG enjoying a standout year. The voting system, global and influential, continues to spark conversations about who deserves football’s top honors. This piece breaks down what happened and why it matters.
FIFA's The Best 2025 voting delivers a surprising twist as Hakimi doesn’t back his PSG teammate for the top spot. Ousmane Dembélé wins the award in Qatar, with Hakimi naming Mbappé first, Dembélé second, and Rafinha third. The Moroccan captain’s vote underlines a personal loyalty amid global football drama. Hakimi and Mbappé have long been friends since PSG days, a relationship that endures beyond transfers. The ceremony mixes competition suspense with light-hearted football theater.
Nigeria has filed a FIFA complaint seeking Congo DR's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup playoffs amid allegations of ineligible players and nationality changes. The case centers on nine players accused of document irregularities and nationality switches during the African qualifiers. Arise News reported the claims and warned of potential fallout four months before the global playoff. If proven, the allegations could reshape Africa's World Cup path and spotlight citizenship rules.
FIFA’s The Best 2025 voting unfolds in Doha with Dembele winning Best Player and Louis Enrique named Best Coach. Salah places Hakimi first in his ballot, reveals friction with Slot, and hints at a strained mentor-mentee relationship. The results come from four voting blocs: captains, players, fans, and journalists. The article also notes ongoing tensions between Salah and coach Arne Slot, adding a dramatic twist to the awards season.
Egypt beat Nigeria 2-1 in a Cairo friendly as both teams tune up for AFCON. Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring, Shidrack Owazim equalized before halftime, and Mustafa Mohamed sealed the win after the break. Several regulars were absent, adding to the sense of squad depth being tested. The result provides a positive signal for Egypt’s build-up, with a few light-hearted moments sprinkled in.
Mohamed Salah secured broad support from national team captains and coaches worldwide for FIFA's The Best 2025. The votes highlight his standout Liverpool season and his continued influence on the international stage. Arab and non-Arab voters alike weighed in, praising his Liverpool form and his national team’s World Cup qualification push. Dembele claimed The Best crown in Doha, while Salah’s case underlines his ongoing global impact.
Real Madrid receive a meaningful boost as Xabi Alonso prepares for a Copa del Rey tie against Talavera. David Alaba is back in training after an injury layoff, strengthening a defense in need of resilience. Rodrygo is progressing well, while several teammates train indoors, hinting at rotation for the cup clash. The club signals cautious optimism with some stars likely rested for the match.
Morad Hosawi, a Saudi midfielder, is dealing with pains ahead of the Arab Cup third-place clash with the UAE. The match is set for Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium. Renard’s midfield choices could hinge on Hosawi’s fitness, though he isn’t a guaranteed starter. Saudi Arabia aims to finish third in the Arab Cup for a second time in its history.
Jude Bellingham earns a prestigious spot in the FIFPRO World XI for 2025, announced at the FIFA Awards in Qatar. He stands out as the sole player to maintain a consistent presence among the world’s best over three years, per peer votes. This honor comes despite Real Madrid’s rocky year and his own injury setbacks. The Best XI 2025 also highlights notable absences that shaped the lineup.
A Copa del Rey match between Guadalajara and Barcelona was postponed due to crowd access issues at the Pedro Escartín stadium. Kickoff was moved 30 minutes later, with local times adjusted for Cairo and Saudi Arabia. Mundo Deportivo reported the delay, citing safety concerns for attendees. Barcelona's coach Hans Flick announced the starting lineup, with Marc-André ter Stegen returning from injury.
Natalia Rodriguez, Rafinha’s wife, mocks his exclusion from FIFA’s The Best XI 2025 at a Doha ceremony. The piece recaps the XI, spotlighting Mbappé, Rafinha, and Salah as standout performers, and notes the selection is decided by players. It also glimpses at related coverage around a Copa del Rey match card. The tone stays light with a couple of snappy, light-hearted lines at the end.
Al-Ittihad fans welcomed good news as left-back Moath Faqihi returned to the squad after a lengthy injury layoff. His comeback arrives as a potential tactical fix for the team, allowing flexibility with foreign players. The 23-year-old has been out since October, missing several fixtures across the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the AFC Champions League. He trained with the squad ahead of upcoming matches, and his involvement could influence future selection. A light joke to end: if defense gets tighter, even the offside rule will file a complaint.
Ousmane Dembele clinches The Best FIFA Men's Player 2025 in Doha. He now holds both The Best and the Ballon d'Or, signaling a peak year. He tees up a 2026 bid with a clear goal. PSG also celebrated a year of domestic triumphs and continental flair, setting the stage for more glory.
Fresh details emerge on Al-Ittihad's stance regarding N'Golo Kanté's contract as it nears expiration. The club aims to renew for one season with an option for another, while Kanté seeks better pay due to his pivotal midfield role. Lequipe highlights the ongoing negotiations and the strategic importance of finalizing terms quickly to maintain stability ahead of upcoming fixtures. The situation blends urgency with financial negotiation, keeping fans watching the clock.
Egypt's Mahmoud Saber scores his first international goal in a friendly against Nigeria at Cairo Stadium. The Pharaohs are gearing up for AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Saber added the second in minute 27 after a cross from Ahmed Mustafa 'Zizo'. Several players were unavailable due to injuries or late call-ups as Egypt builds toward the tournament.
Doha is hosting two FIFA finals on consecutive days, a historic feat that showcases Qatar’s ability to stage multiple mega-events. The FIFA Club World Cup Intercontinental Cup final pits Paris Saint-Germain against Flamengo. Tickets start at 50 QAR and are available online with accessibility options. PSG arrives as European champions after a landmark season, while Flamengo seeks a bold continental crown. The event is complemented by practical travel tips and fan information for a smooth experience.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates clash for third place in the 2025 Arab Cup, at the Khalifa International Stadium. The match will be aired on major networks BeIN Sports and Al Kass, with regional channels Sharjah Sports and Kuwait Sports also carrying the game. Online options include STC TV, Shasha, and broadcaster YouTube feeds, plus live coverage on Kooora. Kickoff is set for December 18, 2025, with fans hoping for a thrilling finale to the tournament. Expect drama, goals, and perhaps a few surprises as the Gulf rivals aim to end the campaign on a high note.
Saudi Arabia's Under-23 Olympic team wins the Gulf Cup, just a day after the senior team faltered in the Arab Cup. Yasser Al-Misehal refrains from commenting on the Arab Cup setback and instead publicly congratulates the U-23 champions. His post on X underscores a bright future for Saudi football under strong leadership. The episode follows calls for leadership changes and marks a renewed public presence for the federation president.
French forward Ousmane Dembélé wins The Best 2025, adding the Ballon d'Or to his haul. The ceremony took place in Doha, highlighting a landmark year that saw him lead PSG to Champions League glory. He becomes the fourth player to win both The Best and the Ballon d'Or in the same year, joining Messi, Ronaldo, and Modrić. The piece places his achievement in the context of football legends and hints at the lasting impact on his career.
