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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.

AFCON 2025: 14 teams qualify for the Round of 16 in Morocco
AFCON 2025

AFCON 2025 Knockouts Take Shape: 14 Teams Qualify, 6 Bids Farewell

Fourteen teams have officially secured a place in AFCON 2025's Round of 16 in Morocco, with only two berths still to be decided. The qualifiers feature a notable Arab presence alongside continent powerhouses like Senegal and Ivory Coast. The advancing lineup includes Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Sudan. All attention now shifts to the final group matches to determine the last two qualifiers among Tunisia, Angola, Uganda, and Tanzania. Six teams—Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Zambia, Botswana—have exited the tournament.

Gerd Müller and Miroslav Klose legacy, Germany No. 9
football

Germany's No. 9 Quest: Chasing a Modern Muller-Klose Heir

Since the 2014 era, Germany has been hunting for a successor to Gerd Müller and Miroslav Klose. The No. 9 shirt has become a symbol of lethal finishing, yet the national team has struggled to sustain it. Youth systems are producing versatile forwards, but a true, clinical finisher remains elusive. This piece traces how Germany is rethinking striker development to restore its historic goal-scoring identity as the 2026 World Cup looms.

Saudi football transfer: Al Hilal targets Sultan Mandesh in a swap with Al Taawoun
transfer

Al Hilal Eyes a High-Stakes Swap to Snag Sultan Mandesh from Al Taawoun

Al Hilal is reportedly pursuing a swap deal to sign Sultan Mandesh from Al Taawoun, with Mohammad Al-Qahtani potentially moving in the opposite direction and a monetary component. The deal could last two and a half seasons if agreed. Negotiations paused before the Arab Cup and then revived after a formal approach from Al Hilal’s management. Mandesh has 12 appearances this season with 4 goals and 4 assists, and has drawn a national team call-up from Hervé Renard.

Peter Schmeichel on Manchester United finishing fifth or sixth in the Premier League
Premier League

Schmeichel: United Could Finish Fifth or Sixth This Season

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel predicts a rebound this season, aiming for a top-five finish in the Premier League despite last season's mid-table the disappointment. He points to the lighter schedule after an early cup exit and a calm league run as a path back to Europe. New signings Cunha and Mbombo are highlighted as catalysts to push the team forward, while opinions from peers keep expectations in check. The piece emphasizes the league-focused battle for European qualification with a light touch of humor at the end.

Norris 2025 F1 title: messages from Hamilton, Vettel and Stoner inspired by the champion
Formula 1

From Legends to the Podium: Norris’s Astonishing Road to the 2025 F1 World Title

Lando Norris reveals that uplifting messages from racing legends and other top athletes helped him navigate a dramatic 2025 season. He recalls guiding words from Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Casey Stoner that kept his momentum alive through tough moments. Norris battled setbacks including a collision with Oscar Piastri and a retirement in Zandvoort, then surged to clinch the title by two points in Abu Dhabi. The Briton emphasizes belief and supportive networks as decisive factors in his first World Championship.

Pau Cubarsi Barcelona Best Young Player Catalan Awards 2025
derby

Cubarsi’s Derby Dream: Barcelona’s Rising Defender Sets Sights on Espanyol Glory

Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s 18-year-old defender, has gained attention after winning Best Young Player at the Catalan Football Association awards. His regular presence in Barcelona’s lineup signals a rare maturity for a defender of his age. Ahead of the Espanyol derby, he emphasizes mental strength, family support, and a drive to improve. The upcoming clash will also test his growing partnership with Gerard Martin as Barcelona pursue momentum.

Angola's Freddy retires from international football after AFCON 2025 Egypt clash
AFCON 2025

Angola's Freddy Calls It a Day Internationally After AFCON 2025 Clash with Egypt

Freddy, the Angolan forward, has announced his retirement from international football following Angola's goalless draw with Egypt in the final AFCON group game. Angola finished the group with two points, ending third in Group B and exiting the tournament. The 35-year-old was named Man of the Match in what could be his international swan song. He currently plays for Bodrumspor in Turkey, having previously featured for clubs in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

Today’s football schedule and viewing options across Africa Cup of Nations and Saudi leagues, with channels and commentators explained.
Football schedule

A Global Field Day: December 30, 2025's Power-Packed Football Schedule and Where to Watch

Football fans are set for a day full of action across Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, with major fixtures in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Saudi Pro League, and the Egyptian League Cup. The day features high-stakes matches, extensive broadcast options, and a lineup of veteran commentators. This guide breaks down who plays who, when, and where to watch from anywhere. Plus, a couple of light-hearted lines to keep you smiling between kickoff and final whistle.

Comoros vs Mali AFCON 2025 goalless draw image
AFCON

Goalless Goodbye: Comoros Bow Out of AFCON as Mali Survives the Group

Comoros ended their AFCON group stage with a goalless draw against Mali, marking the first Arab nation to bow out of the tournament this year. Mali climbs to three points, securing second place behind Morocco, who lead the group with seven points. Comoros finish third with two points and a -2 goal difference, missing a place among the best third-placed teams. The Arab side does not capitalize on Mali's red card for Amadou Haidara and exits in the group stage.

Getty Images photo of Islam Makhachev after UFC 324 win in Las Vegas
UFC

Makhachev Passes on January Return, Hints at a Spring Comeback After UFC 324 Shake-Up

Islam Makhachev was close to defending his UFC title in January at UFC 324 but declined the offer due to a tight preparation window. The champion had moved up to lightweight earlier, winning the belt at UFC 322 and retaining top status in the division. The UFC shuffled plans, booking an interim lightweight title bout as the main event. Makhachev now targets a spring return, likely after Ramadan, with Morales among potential opponents.

Ter Stegen transfer rumor with Girona coach Míchel at an awards ceremony
Transfers

Girona’s Bold Twist: Ter Stegen Rumor Triggers Laughs from the Coach

Speculation swirls as Girona reportedly targets Ter Stegen on a winter loan to boost playing time. Barcelona’s goalkeeping setup remains crowded, and Míchel signals a path that could benefit the German international. The topic flared up at a Catalan federation awards ceremony, where the Girona boss’s reply drew smiles and questions. Barcelona officials offered measured comments, underscoring Ter Stegen’s elite status. For Girona, the aim is to finish the season strongly in La Liga while the future remains uncertain.

Héctor Fort surgery Elche Barcelona La Liga photo
La Liga

Emergency Surgery Shakes Barca’s Loaned Defender at Elche

Héctor Fort, a 19-year-old defender on loan from Barcelona to Elche, underwent emergency shoulder surgery after an injury against Rayo Vallecano. The operation was performed Monday by Barcelona’s medical staff. The club confirmed an anterior dislocation of the left shoulder and said recovery time will depend on his progress. Fort had been a bright spot for Elche, featuring in nine league games and scoring against Vallecano before his injury. Elche sits ninth in La Liga with 22 points.