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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.

Al-Ittihad vs NEOM in Saudi Pro League - Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

Sniper Snaps and Sharp Plays: Al-Ittihad Edge NEOM as Hernandez Steals the Spotlight for Hilal

Al-Ittihad edged NEOM 3-1 in the Saudi Pro League, grabbing crucial points in their push for the top spots. Former star Hamd Al-Muntashri praises the team's performance, noting their fitness and rhythm. The piece also highlights Theo Hernandez's attacking prowess for Hilal and Fabinho's role in the win. The overall narrative is a high-energy Saudi clash with moments of technical brilliance and grit.

Gabon football suspended after AFCON exit with Aubameyang sidelined
AFCON

Gabon Government Suspends National Team After AFCON Exit, Aubameyang Faces Unexpected Sanctions

Gabon’s sports minister announced urgent actions after the team’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Ivory Coast beat Gabon 3-2 in a dramatic final group-stage match. Gabon finished with zero points and the government intervened, dissolving the coaching staff. Two key players, Aubameyang and Manga, were sidelined as the federation was urged to take responsibility. A presidential warning hinted at more decisive moves to come, signaling a turbulent period ahead for Gabonese football.

Mohammed Al-Deei discusses Al-Ittihad weakness and Benrahma free-kick during Saudi Pro League clash
Saudi Pro League

Former Saudi Legend Calls Out Al-Ittihad’s Weak Spot: A Free-Kick Secret and a Hint for Hilal

Former Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deei identifies a long-range vulnerability in Al-Ittihad exposed by a free-kick from Said Benrahma. He argues Raikovic struggles to deal with shots outside the box, while the opponent’s tactical setup leaves a clear path for finesse play. Al-Deei also critiques Hilal’s defensive retreat and warns about Al-Shabab's precarious form ahead of the winter window. His remarks mix sharp analysis with a few light jabs at coaching decisions, offering readers a fresh lens on Saudi Pro League matchups.

Spain's coach explains Juan Garcia's omission as the World Cup 2026 squad takes shape.
World Cup 2026

When the World Cup Lights Are On: Spain's Keeper Puzzle Unfolds

Spain's head coach explains why Juan Garcia was not called up. He praises Garcia as among the best, but points to a trio of keepers the team is prioritizing. Other talents like Robert Sánchez and Leo Román are acknowledged, while the focus remains on Unai Simón, Aleix Remiro, and David Raya. The article also notes Garcia's status at Barcelona and Spain's World Cup 2026 group opponents: Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.

Marc Casado Barcelona in La Liga
La Liga

When Minutes Fade: The Curious Case of Casado at Barcelona

Marc Casado has seen his playing time shrink at Barcelona, despite a promising rise last season. Recent stats show a sharp drop in minutes, signaling a shift in the midfield hierarchy. Flick prioritizes other options like Pedri, De Jong, and Garcia, while Casado is urged to tighten his decision making. The 22-year-old remains under contract and attracted Premier League interest, but Flick has hinted he wants him to stay. This piece breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for his future at the club.

Neymar Santos contract extension 2026
transfers

Neymar Re-signs with Santos Through 2026, Keeping the Dream Alive

Neymar has officially renewed his contract with Santos FC through December 2026. This move confirms both the player’s and the club’s desire to continue their current project after a period of stability. The renewal ends speculation about departure and reinforces Neymar’s leadership as Santos targets domestic and continental glory. The agreement signals a new chapter for the icon and the club alike, with hopes for a pivotal era ahead.

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City - Premier League Getty Images
Premier League

New Year, New Challenge: Sunderland Sparks City’s Golden Run in 2026 Derby

Sunderland stands out as an exception to Manchester City’s golden run ahead of a 2026 opener. City begin the year away to Sunderland in a high-stakes Premier League clash. BBC data show City have won 18 of their last 19 calendar-year openers, including 13 in a row, with the lone blemish coming in 2012 against Sunderland. Sunderland hasn’t lost their league opener in seven years, adding intrigue to the encounter. This match marks the third New Year’s Day meeting between the sides, as City chase Arsenal at the top of the table.

Iker Casillas defends Xabi Alonso after criticism on Bajo los Palos
La Liga

Casillas: Why Alonso’s critics are off-target — and Mourinho’s memories aren’t over

Iker Casillas, the legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper, steps in to defend Xabi Alonso against what he calls unfair and premature criticism. He argues that assessments should come at the end of the season, not in December. The discussion unfolds on Casillas’ Bajo los Palos podcast, where he also reflects on his complicated past with Jose Mourinho. The piece revisits the importance of dialogue within strong personalities in a demanding club and the need for patience before judging the impact of a coach or player.

Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup talk with Al Hilal and Abu Bakr Al-Muqaddam
Saudi Pro League

Dreaming Ronaldo: Former Al Hilal Chief Drops Bombshell on Cristiano's Club World Cup Link

A former Al Hilal president reveals a long-shot desire to have Cristiano Ronaldo wear the club crest for the Club World Cup in the US. Ronaldo currently captains Al Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League, showcasing his continued impact. Rumors of a temporary move to Al Hilal circulated but never materialized. The ex-chairman argues Ronaldo’s fit for the long term is debatable, yet his presence could have generated global buzz. FIFA was reportedly interested in a Ronaldo appearance for Al Hilal, rivaling Messi's exposure with Inter Miami.

Arab nations eye historic AFCON semifinal in Morocco 2025
Africa Cup of Nations

Arab Nations Chase a Historic AFCON Semi: Morocco Hosts a Dream Run in 2025

As the group stage wraps in AFCON 2025 hosted by Morocco, five Arab nations have already reached the knockout phase. The edition could see four Arab teams in the semifinals for the first time in the tournament’s history. The Round of 16 matches set up cross-border clashes across Tangier, Rabat, Agadir, and Marrakech, with a potential Arab-dominated finale looming. It’s football theatre with a dash of deja vu for fans craving an Arab triumph on Africa’s big stage.

Arab nations chase historic all-Arab AFCON semifinal in Morocco 2025
AFCON 2025

Arab Dream on the Edge: Could AFCON 2025 Deliver the First All-Arab Semifinal?

As the AFCON 2025 group stage wraps in Morocco, the field to the semifinals is taking shape with a historic twist. Five Arab nations have reached the knockout rounds, keeping alive a dream of lifting the trophy. The bracket could spark an unprecedented all-Arab semifinal for the first time in the tournament’s history. The Round of 16 matchups set the stage for a dramatic African showdown across Tangier, Rabat, Agadir and Marrakech.

Cameroon Mozambique AFCON 2025 dramatic comeback
AFCON 2025

Dramatic Ajax of the Afcon: Cameroon overturns Mozambique with an own-goal spark and a late winner

Cameroon staged a dramatic comeback to beat Mozambique 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Mozambique led early, but an unusual own goal by Nini swung the balance in Cameroon’s favor. Christian Kovani delivered the decisive finish in the 55th minute, sealing the three points. Cameroon finish second in Group Six and advance to the knockout stage, drawing South Africa in the Round of 16. The match produced memorable moments and a social-media flurry that proved football loves a plot twist.

Zamalek salary dispute forces youth lineup for League Cup clash
LeagueCup

When the Locker Room Goes on Strike: Zamalek's Salary Standstill Sparks an Emergency Lineup

Zamalek faces a financial standoff as key players refuse to train until back pay is settled. The absence puts the club in a difficult spot ahead of the League Cup clash with Al Ittihad Alexandria. Management responds by unleashing a youth-dominated lineup led by Tamer Abdel Hamid Donya and Hazem Imam. The situation highlights the friction between players and leadership, with the academy stepping up on short notice.

Al-Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao speaks after Neom match
Saudi Pro League

Conceicao’s Bold Tactical Move: Bergwijn’s Versatility Sparks Al-Ittihad’s 3-1 Triumph Over Neom

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao celebrates Al-Ittihad's 3-1 win over Neom in the Saudi Pro League. He stresses the toughness of the match, the importance of fitness, and explains Bergwijn’s position change. He also highlights taking each game at a time and thanks the fans in Tabuk for their backing. The piece ends with a light note on Bergwijn’s versatility and tactical tweaks as the season unfolds.

Mohamed Salah Liverpool transfer update January 2025
transfers

Salah to Stay at Liverpool as Saudi Interest Fades in January

British media reported on Wednesday the latest on Mohamed Salah's future, the Liverpool captain’s status and his role with Egypt. Salah has been tied to a potential exit during the upcoming January window amid clashes with club leadership and staff. The Mirror claims Salah is likely to stay beyond January after interest from Saudi clubs waned. Earlier talk of a move to Saudi Arabia depended on Salah leaving Anfield and Liverpool's ability to meet a wage demand. Salah's contract runs to June 2027 with a weekly wage around £350,000.

Ibrahim Maza shines for Algeria at CAN 2025 against Equatorial Guinea
CAN 2025

Ibrahim Maza Shatters CAN 2025: Algeria's Rising Star Lights Up Morocco

Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old Bayern Leverkusen midfielder, makes a breakout impact for Algeria at CAN 2025 with a standout performance against Equatorial Guinea. Algeria finishes the group stage with a perfect record and advances to the knockout rounds. Opta notes him as the first Algerian under 21 to play all group games in a CAN edition since 2015, and he leads the tournament in chances created. This win marks Algeria's third consecutive group-stage victory in CAN 2025, a feat last achieved in 1990 and 2019, as they prepare to face DR Congo in the next round.

Algeria vs Equatorial Guinea AFCON 2025 Man of the Match Anis Haj Moussa
AFCON-2025

Algeria Clinches a Perfect AFCON Run as Anis Haj Moussa Steals the Show

Algeria wrapped up their Africa Cup of Nations group stage with a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea. Anis Haj Moussa was named Man of the Match for an influential performance, delivering two decisive passes and driving the attack. He set up Zinedine Belaid in the 19th minute and Ibrahim Maza in the 32nd. Ibrahim Maza scored and assisted later, as Algeria sealed top spot with a perfect record at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.