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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.

Lineker questions Tuchel's remarks on Alexander-Arnold, defending the defender's role ahead of major competitions.
transfer

Lineker fires back at Tuchel over Alexander-Arnold: defense still matters

Gary Lineker criticizes Thomas Tuchel's comments about Trent Alexander-Arnold, arguing defense is as crucial as attack for a world-class player. The piece covers Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid spell, Tuchel's defensive critique, and Lineker's response on a popular podcast. It also nods to a Champions League context involving Benfica and Real Madrid, underscoring the broader debate about player roles. A light-hearted closer adds a dash of humor to the discussion.

Real Madrid Benfica lineup for the Champions League playoff
Champions League

Lineups Unveiled: Arbeloa Names Mbappé's Role as Real Madrid Face Benfica

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has announced the starting XI for the Benfica first leg in the Champions League playoff, with Mbappé returning to the lineup despite injury doubts. The match is set at Estádio da Luz as Madrid chase a knockout-stage berth. Courtois guards the net, with a defensive line and midfield trio described in the official XI. Benfica, led by veteran coach Jose Mourinho, will seek a strong home performance to balance the tie. The second leg will follow next week at the Bernabéu.

Girona Barcelona late goal controversy
La Liga

Late Drama and the Referee Shake-Up in Girona-Barcelona

Barcelona’s late defeat sparked a media storm in Spain as questions swirled around the pivotal goal and the VAR call that preceded it. The Spanish referees’ committee then disciplined the VAR official involved, prompting broader discussion about consistency in La Liga. In a separate development, Atlético… just kidding — another match got a lighter sanction for its VAR official. The episode left Barca fans frustrated, while Madrid fans had their own take on the drama.

Real Madrid defense and Alaba exit photo
transfers

Madrid Draws a Line: Real Madrid’s Defense Shake-Up on the Horizon

Real Madrid is lining up a defensive overhaul for the upcoming mercato, potentially sacrificing senior players to make room for new names while trimming the wage bill. Fabrizio Romano reports a final decision regarding David Alaba, whose contract ends in June 2026. Other defenders, including Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal, also face endings with decisions to come. The move signals a new phase for Madrid’s backline as they balance competitiveness with finances.

Azteca Stadium World Cup 2026 delays Mexico City
WorldCup2026

Kickoff on the Brink: World Cup 2026 Opening in Jeopardy as Stadium Delays Surface

Four months before kickoff, FIFA faces a surprise crisis over the stadium intended for the opening match. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring a record 48 teams. Reports suggest Mexico City's venue may not be ready in time, spurring concerns about match licensing and scheduling. FIFA plans to oversee host stadiums in May, while renovations could spill into the tournament period.

Ceramica Cleopatra vs Zamalek Egypt Cup 2026 image
Egypt Cup

Egypt Cup Shock: Ceramica Cleopatra Knockout Zamalek as Holders Crumble

Zamalek, the Egypt Cup holders, are knocked out by Ceramica Cleopatra in a 2-1 defeat in Ismailia. Ceramica seized the lead early through an own goal, Zamalek equalized before halftime, and Belhaj secured the winner from outside the box. A missed penalty by Sidiq Ejoola sharpened the shock exit for the defending champions. Ceramica advances to the next round, while Zamalek must regroup as they chase cup glory in future campaigns.

Inter Milan Bastoni red card Juventus press conference 2026
Serie A

When Drama Hits the Pitch: Bastoni Breaks Silence After Inter’s Nail-Biting Win and Red-Card Chaos

Inter Milan edged Juventus 3-2 in a dramatic Serie A showdown, with a controversial 42nd-minute red card for Pierre Kalulu fueling debate. Alessandro Bastoni finally broke his silence, admitting his post-match description of events may have been exaggerated and offering a formal apology. The defender also revealed that he and his family received threats after the incident. He emphasized his commitment to his team and denied questions about his integrity, acknowledging the intense emotions of a high-stakes fixture.

Algerian forward Houssam Awar tops the AFC Elite Champions League scoring chart after a key goal against Al-Sadd in Doha.
AFC Elite Champions League

Algerian Striker Seizes Top Scorer Lead in AFC Elite as Qatar Showdowns Intensify

Algerian forward Houssam Awar of Al-Ittihad has taken the lead in the AFC Elite Champions League scoring chart for 2025-2026. He struck the opener against Al-Sadd at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, boosting his tally to six. Four of those goals came in the final two matches against Qatari sides, including a hat-trick against Al-Gharafa. The race now centers on Awar and Adel Boubline of Al-Duhail as the season narrows toward its conclusion.

Al-Ahli vs Al-Najmah power outage press conference Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

Power Outage Delays Coach Jaissle’s Press Conference Ahead of Al-Ahli vs Al-Najmah Showdown

A sudden power outage at Al-Ahli’s headquarters postponed the German coach Matias Jaissle’s press conference about the upcoming Al-Ahli vs Al-Najmah match. Al-Ahli sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 50 points, three behind the leaders and two behind the second-placed team. The interruption was attributed to external works around the club, not an internal fault, and power was restored minutes later. The conference proceeded with no further incidents, leaving fans curious about tactical tweaks for Round 23.

Ali Al-Bulayhi ghost Brugge derby Belgium
Belgian Pro League

When a Ghost Hijacks a Derby: Brugge vs Cercle Brugge Delivers a Spectral Moment

A surreal moment unfolds in a Belgian derby as the ghost of Ali Al-Bulayhi is said to have appeared on the pitch. Club Brugge edges Cercle Brugge 2-1 at Jan Breydel; Serbian star Alexander Stankovic leads a traditional derby ritual that stirs memories. The episode echoes past provocations in regional football, while Al-Bulayhi’s loan to Al-Shabab adds a transfer twist. The event is remembered for its folklore within Brugge-Cercle rivalries and sheds light on the delicate balance between celebration and provocation. Two light jokes close out the piece.

CAF Champions League draw Al Ahly Pyramids Espérance Tunis AS FAR Rabat Cairo
CAF Champions League

Preview: Al Ahly and Pyramids Set for a CAF Champions League Final Showdown

Al Ahly and Pyramids are positioned to meet only in the CAF Champions League final after a Cairo draw that pairs Al Ahly with Espérance Tunis and Pyramids with AS FAR Rabat. The two Egyptian clubs loom as favorites, though opinions differ inside the game. Gedo predicts Al Ahly will win, while Abdel Wahid El-Sayed offers a more cautious take. The knockout rounds promise high stakes as Africa's premier club competition unfolds.

Gary Neville criticizes Amorim's decision at Manchester United as Kobbie Mainoo shines under Carrick
Premier League

Gary Neville Singles Out Amorim’s Biggest Blunder at Manchester United—and Mainoo’s Rise Proves Him Right

Gary Neville claims Ruben Amorim’s benching of Kobbie Mainoo was the biggest mistake of his United tenure. After Amorim’s January departure, Michael Carrick steadied the ship and Mainoo became a regular starter, fueling a winning run. The shift has renewed talk about England World Cup prospects and how one decision can alter a young player’s trajectory. The debate also paints a broader picture of management style at Old Trafford.

Senegal Morocco AFCON final 2026
AFCON Final

Senegal’s Plea After the AFCON Final: 18 Detained Fans, a Controversial Finish, and a Call for Justice

A month after the AFCON final, Senegalese star Pape Matar Sarr urges Moroccan authorities to release 18 detained fans. The fans have been held since the final between Senegal and Morocco, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time. The plea highlights broader concerns about fan treatment and due process in a high-stakes tournament. The final itself was mired in officiating controversy, setting the stage for ongoing national discourse.

Bukayo Saka Arsenal contract extension 2031 Getty Images
Premier League

Saka signs long-term Arsenal deal, reinforcing a title bid in North London

Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal, extending his stay in North London. The agreement reportedly runs through 2031 and includes a salary that places him among the club’s top earners. The Hale End graduate has been central to Arsenal’s recent upturn in form as they chase domestic glory. This extension comes as Saka approaches his 300th Arsenal appearance, having already tallied 77 goals and 78 assists in 296 games.