Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Matchs du Jour

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.

Real Madrid Alonso era locker room five backers three dissenters
La Liga

Inside Real Madrid's Alonso Era: Five Backers, Three Skeptics, and a Locker Room Reckoning

New reports reveal a clear split in Real Madrid’s locker room during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, contributing to a crisis that ended his brief spell. The Athletic identifies two camps inside the squad, with five players backing Alonso and four uneasy allies. A third group privately doubted the coach, fueling tensions. The piece also notes a controversial attempt to impose a fitness regime, underscoring broader friction.

Real Madrid’s new chapter with Arbeloa: not Zidane or Ancelotti
La Liga

Reality Check: Arbeloa Won’t Rewind Real Madrid’s Zidane/Ancelotti Era

An emotional upheaval surrounds Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso exits and Álvaro Arbeloa steps in. The piece argues that Arbeloa cannot replicate the Zidane/Ancelotti golden era and explains why the club’s balance and circumstances have shifted. Historic Galactico ambitions collide with new realities, including tougher domestic and European competition. The article closes with a light, snarky note to keep spirits up while acknowledging a challenging season ahead.

Al Hilal targets Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat from Al Qadisiyah in winter transfer
transfers

Al Hilal targets a rival star’s brother in a bold winter move

Al Hilal presses its winter recruitment push, scouting Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, the right-back brother of Al Ahli’s star. The club has already announced Pablo Mari and Sultan Mundesh and is nearing a deal for Murad Hosawi. Talks with Al Qadisiyah to sign Abu Al-Shamat follow Joao Cancelo’s loan departure to Barcelona, signaling a need for options at right-back. Abu Al-Shamat is a standout in the Saudi league, having appeared 16 times and contributed three assists. The potential move would reunite him with his brother Saleh, who previously played for Qadisiyah before moving to Al Khaleej and then Al Hilal.

Aït Nouri back in City squad with Haaland leading the attack against Newcastle United
EFL Cup

Aït Nouri Returns to City Fold as Haaland Headlines Attack Against Newcastle

Aït Nouri returns to Manchester City's squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United at Saint James' Park. Pep Guardiola experiments with a mix of youngsters and fringe players, with Erling Haaland spearheading the attack. Gianluigi Donnarumma is listed among City's substitutes, while James Trafford starts in goal. The second leg will decide who advances, with the return at the Etihad on February 4.

Jude Bellingham Instagram farewell to Xabi Alonso Real Madrid
transfer

Bellingham Breaks Silence: Farewell to Alonso as Real Madrid Begins a New Era

Jude Bellingham has spoken out after Real Madrid's decision to part ways with coach Xabi Alonso. Madrid announced Alonso's exit and appointed Álvaro Arbeloa in the interim. The England midfielder posted a brief Instagram tribute, wishing Alonso well. Real Madrid also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and now prepares for a Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Albacete under the new leadership.

Getty Images Haaland Semenyo Golden Boot joke Manchester City
transfer

Haaland's Golden Boot Banter Sparks Banter as Semenyo Makes City Debut

Manchester City welcome Antoine Semenyo in the winter window and share a playful moment between him and Erling Haaland. Semenyo's first appearance for City includes a goal and an assist in the FA Cup rout of Exeter. City posted a video of Semenyo meeting teammates, including Haaland, who teased him about the Golden Boot. Haaland remains the league's top scorer while Semenyo sits among the leaders, as City prepare for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Djokovic in Melbourne ahead of a 25th Grand Slam photo
AustralianOpen

Djokovic’s Melbourne Quest: Chasing 25th Grand Slam Amid 1000 Weeks on Top

Novak Djokovic arrives in Melbourne for the Australian Open, chasing a 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian icon shares a poignant moment at Rod Laver Arena before his first practice. He hasn’t played a competitive match since his Athens win last November and skipped Adelaide to focus on training. All eyes will be on the crowd’s reception after last year’s semi-final exit, while Marca notes his 1000 weeks in the top 40.

Egyptian FA president thanks Agadir fans for warm hospitality
AFCON

Egyptian Football Chief Thanks Agadir Fans for a Heartfelt AFCON Welcome

Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abourida expresses gratitude to the people of Agadir for their warm hospitality toward the Egyptian team and fans during Africa Cup of Nations. He sends a formal thank you to Fouzi Lekjaa and the Agadir governor, praising the sense of belonging and excellent organization. The team stayed in Agadir through the semifinals before moving to Tangier, with players noting they felt at home. Abourida hopes Morocco will host the 2030 World Cup and praises the tournament's hospitality and spirit of brotherhood.

Algerian commentator Hafid Daraji warns refereeing could spoil the remainder of AFCON in Morocco.
AFCON

Referee Worries Loom Over AFCON as Hafid Daraji Stands Firm

Algerian commentator Hafid Daraji warns that officiating may spoil the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He notes several potential final matchups and emphasizes that refereeing standards could overshadow the tournament if officials falter. Daraji has long criticized officiating and ticketing issues, linking referee decisions to Algeria’s quarterfinal exit. He also praises Nigeria while urging resilience for a potential World Cup 2026, underscoring that a fair spectacle matters as much as the sport itself.

Real Madrid training with Arbeloa and Pintus at Valdebebas
La Liga

Arbeloa's Real Madrid Reboot: A Fresh Chapter Starts at Valdebebas

Real Madrid officially kicks off a new chapter at the Valdebebas training ground under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, following his succession of Xabi Alonso after the Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. In his first session with the first team, Arbeloa addressed players in the locker room before a light training and conditioning block ahead of the Copa del Rey last-16 against Albacete. The return of Antonio Pintus as fitness coach signals a core role for his methods, backed by Arbeloa's Castilla staff. Some stars were absent due to injuries, while Castilla regulars joined the drills, signaling integration with the first team.

Barcelona Real Madrid Spanish Super Cup De Jong red card Saudi Arabia
La Liga

De Jong Ban Casts Shadow on Barcelona's Sociedad Clash

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been suspended after a red card against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona won 3-2 to lift the trophy for the second straight year. The ruling means De Jong will miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie with Racing, with a return planned for the La Liga clash vs Real Sociedad. The decision raises questions about Barcelona's midfield depth ahead of a busy schedule.

N'Golo Kanté at Al-Ittihad with possible move to Fenerbahçe during winter window
Mercato

Kanté in Turkey? World Cup Spotlight Sparks Transfer Talk as Al-Ittihad Eyes Winter Moves

N'Golo Kanté's status at Al-Ittihad is under the microscope as rumors link him with Fenerbahçe amid World Cup 2026 prep. Reports say talks are ongoing; the French midfielder could switch clubs in the winter window. His contract situation may force Al-Ittihad to decide between selling now or losing him for free later. Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 and helped secure a domestic double, but the next chapter could be abroad. The world waits, coffee in hand, for a potential midfield masterclass across continents.

Real Madrid and Barcelona Copa del Rey broadcast rights on MBC MASR 2
Copa del Rey

Shock news: An Arabic channel will air Real Madrid and Barcelona Copa del Rey clashes

An Arabic broadcaster has secured the rights to televise Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The announcement comes from Ibrahim Fayeq of MBC, who says MBC MASR 2 will carry both fixtures. Real Madrid face Albacete, while Barcelona square off with Racing Santander, with both tie details anchored to the Saudi-hosted Super Cup context. The move adds drama to the King’s Cup as the two Spanish giants chase silverware.