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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.

Antoine Semenyo transfer to Manchester City over Liverpool amid salary dispute
transfer

Semenyo Chooses City Over Liverpool: The Two Hidden Reasons Behind the Anfield Snub

A British report reveals why Liverpool cooled on Antoine Semenyo and why the Ghanaian winger favored Manchester City. The tale centers on a wage offer that outshone Liverpool’s proposal during the January window. Liverpool had long courted Semenyo, especially with talk of Mohamed Salah’s possible departure. Salary clashes and strategic priorities at Fenway Sports Group are cited as deciding factors. The piece underscores how money and squad plans shape modern transfers.

Leeds United vs Manchester United 1-1 Premier League 2026
Premier League

Broken net, bright moment: Leeds stuns Manchester United in a 1-1 Premier League clash

Manchester United drew 1-1 at Leeds, failing once again to keep a clean sheet away from home. Leeds extended their unbeaten run to seven league games, the longest since 2001. The story includes a historic note from Leeds’ 2001 campaign under David O’Leary, and Daniel Farke’s Leeds remain two wins with five draws in their current streak. United’s away defensive woes persist as they sit fifth with 31 points, while Leeds hover at 16th with 22.

Etihad Stadium preview: Manchester City vs Chelsea lineup January 4, 2026
Premier League

Haaland and Palmer Face Chelsea: City Target Top Form in a Premier League Showdown

Manchester City announce their starting XI to host Chelsea at the Etihad in a high-stakes Premier League clash. The front line is led by Haaland with Foden and Cherki supporting, while Chelsea begin life under interim boss Calum Makfarlin aiming for stability. The Blues rely on Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro, and Estevao to spark the attack, as City look to climb the table. City sit third with 41 points and Chelsea are sixth with 30, setting the stage for a gripping encounter.

Benin coach Gernot Rohr before Egypt AFCON clash
AFCON

Benin’s Bold Stand: Rohr Predicts a Tough AFCON Knockout Against Egypt

Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr says his team isn’t favorites to topple Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. He calls the match extremely difficult and notes Benin’s growing experience against Africa’s big sides. Olivier Verdon adds that the squad will fight hard to progress despite injuries and a suspension. The piece previews a high-stakes duel with kickoff set for January 5, 2026, as Benin aims to surprise.

Vinícius Junior penalty controversy Real Madrid Betis referee analysis
La Liga

Controversy in Madrid: Was Vinícius Junior Foul Worth a Penalty? A Referee Expert Breaks It Down

A controversial moment in the sixth minute sparked debate in Real Madrid vs. Real Betis. An expert referee analyzed the incident on Radio Marca and concluded there was no foul warranting a penalty. The Brazilian Vinícius Junior was at the center of the discussion, with the assessment suggesting simulation rather than a genuine foul. The call was defended as the correct decision, and play continued early in the match.

Ricardo Matias joins Al-Ahli Saudi FC, Brazilian striker arrival
Winter Transfer

Al-Ahli's Winter Gamble: 19-Year-Old Brazilian Striker Arrives

Al-Ahli Saudi Club announces its first winter signing to bolster the squad this season. Brazilian forward Ricardo Matias arrives from Internacional. The 19-year-old will add attacking depth under coach Mathias Jaissle as the team navigates potential departures. He previously appeared in 35 Internacional games, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. He is the fourth Brazilian in the squad, alongside Roger Ibanez, Mateus Gonzalez, and Winderson Galino.

Morocco starting XI vs Tanzania in AFCON 2026 with Hakimi leading
Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco's Bold AFCON Knockout Move: Hakimi Returns to Lead Atlas Lions vs Tanzania

Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui named the lineup for AFCON’s Round of 16 against Tanzania. Achraf Hakimi starts at right-back for the first time in the tournament, aiming to notch his 90th cap for the Atlas Lions. Anas Salahuddin starts on the bench, with Bilal Khannous coming in to cover for the injured Azzedine Onahi. The team includes Yassine Bounou in goal and a familiar defensive setup as Morocco chase AFCON glory.

Morocco vs Tanzania AFCON 2026 Amrabat injury absence
AFCON

The Amrabat Absence Mystery: Injury, Not Mutiny, Rocking Morocco’s AFCON Clash with Tanzania

Rumors about Sofiane Amrabat’s absence in Morocco’s AFCON match against Tanzania are addressed. An exclusive Kooora source rejects claims of mutiny or disciplinary issues. The official line blames a lingering ankle injury carried from Betis, keeping him out for weeks and sending him to treatment. If Morocco advances, Amrabat is expected to train alone to regain fitness. The piece clarifies the situation while keeping a light note on the drama around the squad.

Barcelona weighing Cancelo transfer amid defense concerns and budget constraints
transfer

Barcelona's Backline Dilemma: Flick Weighs Cancelo as Defensive Reinforcement

Barcelona remains cautious about bolstering the defense during the winter window as Christensen's injury tests depth. Coach Hans Flick says any move must be carefully considered. Joao Cancelo, linked with a return to Barcelona, faces financial hurdles despite interest. Marca reports Cancelo's €17 million annual salary clashes with Barça's wage cap, keeping the deal uncertain. The club prioritizes a central defender, with a decision unlikely to be rushed before the 14th to formalize medical paperwork.

Liverpool v Fulham postponed at Craven Cottage in the Premier League
Premier League

Liverpool-Fulham Postponed in London: A Curious Delay That Still Sparks Talk

The Premier League postponed the Liverpool vs Fulham match due to an emergency at Craven Cottage. Officials cited a medical incident in the stands leading to a 3:15 PM kickoff reschedule. Liverpool’s away form remains mixed this season, with questions about keeping goals out on the road. Historically, Liverpool have struggled to keep clean sheets at Craven Cottage, making the upcoming rescheduled fixture even more intriguing.

Liverpool injury update Hugo Ekitike ahead of Fulham clash
Premier League

Liverpool’s New Blow: Slot’s Injury Woes Ahead of Fulham Showdown

Arne Slot contends with a fresh injury concern as Hugo Ekitike is ruled out ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham. The Mirror reports a minor hamstring issue after a demanding run of fixtures. With Alexander Isak sidelined and Mohamed Salah with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, Klopp’s successor team faces offensive depth challenges. Slot explains the workload contributed to the strain and hopes a return is near, though nothing is certain. Ekitike had eight goals in 18 league appearances but has gone quiet in the last two outings.