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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.

Kostas Fortounis in Saudi Pro League action for Al Gulf against Al Khoulod
Saudi Pro League

Fortounis Sparks a Legend Moment: Greek Maestro Beats Ronaldo and Mahrez to a Saudi Pro League Milestone

Kostas Fortounis continued his hot run for Al Gulf in the Saudi Pro League, scoring against Al Khoulod and sealing a key moment in Round 27. He also converted a penalty in the 18th minute, showing clinical finishing. Opta confirms he joined an elite club by reaching 10+ goals and assists in a single season. The piece places him among a constellation of global stars, underscoring the league’s rising prestige. A light note caps the report, adding a touch of humor to the spotlight.

Vinicius fatigue Real Madrid Mallorca Ibrahim Diaz starts Mbappe lineup
La Liga

Vinícius sidelined as Madrid eye Mallorca; Diaz to lead the line with Mbappé in Europe-bound plan

Vinícius Júnior will miss Real Madrid’s La Liga trip to Mallorca due to fatigue. Ibrahim Díaz is set to start and will link with Mbappé in a frontline Madrid hope can keep pace in the title race. Madrid insist there are no new injuries and that rest is the best plan given his heavy schedule. The upcoming clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League adds extra pressure to this week’s fixtures.

Iraq clinches a historic World Cup 2026 berth led by Ali Al-Hamadi, who scored the opener in a 2-1 win over Bolivia after a grueling 21-match qualifying campaign.
World Cup Qualifiers

Patience, Pride, and the Long Drive: Iraq’s Leap to World Cup 2026

Ali Al-Hamadi sparked Iraq’s World Cup 2026 campaign with the opener in a 2-1 win over Bolivia. The journey to qualification was grueling, featuring a 21-match qualifying slate—the most of any team—and long, jet-lagged travels. The 24-year-old reflects on Iraq’s roots of perseverance and his deep connection to his homeland, despite growing up abroad. With club duties at Luton Town, he aims to hit peak form for a challenging group-stage lineup, and Iraqi fans celebrate a historic milestone.

Madrid trio leaves Arbeloa guessing before Bayern clash
La Liga

Madrid’s Left-Back Dilemma: Three Candidates, One Big Match Against Bayern

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa faces a tough decision for the left-back spot as the team gears up for a crucial La Liga push and a high-stakes Champions League date with Bayern Munich. Marca highlights Ferran García, Álvaro Carreras, and Ferland Mendy as contenders, each bringing different strengths and fitness considerations. Carreras’ trust, Mendy’s availability, and García’s impact keep Arbeloa in a mental tug-of-war. The piece situates the debate ahead of Mallorca and the European clash, underscoring tactical implications for the squad.

Morocco wins Africa basketball title and earns 2026 World Cup berth
Basketball Africa Championship

Morocco Makes Waves: A Fresh Africa Crown and the World Cup 2026 Bid

Morocco defends its Africa basketball title with a 59-42 win over South Africa. They reached the final after beating Senegal 55-47 in Angola. Assistant coach Abdelhak Haddouai praised the players' fighting spirit and discipline and confirmed Morocco's qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Ottawa. The journey also included victories over Egypt, Kenya and Senegal, cementing Morocco's rising status on the continental stage.

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta addresses injuries and international withdrawals during the break
FA Cup

Arsenal's Injury Storm: Arteta Defends the Club as 11 Players Withdraw from International Duty

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responds to accusations of manipulating player withdrawals during the international window. He emphasizes clear medical communication and strong ties with national teams, including England. Arsenal, currently atop the Premier League, prepare for a FA Cup quarterfinal against Southampton while dealing with a growing injury list. The club pledges support for players representing their countries, and vows to field a strong lineup when possible.

Cameroonian forward Christian Kovan, Bayer Leverkusen, linked with Barcelona transfer target
transfer

Barça’s Next Hit Man? A 19-Year-Old Cameroonian Prospect Could Replace Lewandowski

Barcelona faces a looming attacking reshuffle as a key forward departure appears possible. The club is hunting a ready-made scorer who can impact immediately. While Julián Álvarez remains a tempting option, Barça is weighing more realistic and economical alternatives, including a young Cameroon talent from Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal reportedly has shown interest via his agent, adding competition to Barça’s pursuit.

DR Congo’s historic World Cup qualification met with unprecedented travel restrictions on its players, impacting Espanyol as the club seeks a resolution.
World Cup 2026

World Cup Shock: Congo DR Players Blocked from Returning after Historic Qualification

Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a historic World Cup berth, but federation-imposed travel restrictions keep players from returning to their clubs. Espanyol’s coach Manolo González voiced astonishment at the decision, highlighting its immediate impact on the squad. The club has begun legal consultations with FIFA while trying to stay competitive in La Liga. Congo DR’s qualification injects tension into an already crowded football calendar as the world watches potential fallout.

Indiviza Saudi women's football awards ceremony
Football Awards

Saudi Women's Football Gets its Spotlight: Indiviza Awards Arrive

Saudi football media company Futbolko, in partnership with Roshen Group, launches the first Indiviza Awards to celebrate Saudi women's football on and off the pitch. The event will recognize players in multiple categories, from Best Player to Goal of the Year, and will combine public voting with expert judging. The ceremony is set for May 13 in Riyadh, after the 2025-2026 season ends. A broad Arabic-language media push will accompany the awards, reaching millions of fans across platforms.

Barcelona first Bastoni bid Inter response 45 million euros
transfers

Barcelona Fires First Shot in Bastoni Chase, Inter Pushes Back

Barcelona has opened talks to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, signaling a serious plan to strengthen the defense this summer. Inter reportedly rebuffed a 45 million euro bid, citing Bastoni's value and importance. Bastoni expressed openness to hearing Barça’s proposal, drawn by the club’s stature and a salary boost. The two clubs remain far apart on valuation as the summer window approaches, with negotiations likely to continue.

Nassr eyes a record-tying win against Najma in the Roshn Saudi League
Roshn Saudi League

Nassr Eyes a Historic 13th straight win as Najma visit in the Roshn Saudi League

Nassr aims to equal Al-Hilal’s record of 13 consecutive wins in the Roshn Saudi League. They host Najma at Al-Nasr Park in round 27, chasing the streak after a 12-game run that followed a January 12 setback to their rival. A recent report highlights the potential milestone, which would add to a season of dominant performances. If the run continues, Nassr could match the league’s best-ever form and keep pressure on the title race.

Joachim Löw linked with Ghana World Cup 2026 coach rumors
coaching

Löw in Ghana Spotlight: Will the 2014 World Cup Champion Lead the Black Stars?

Joachim Löw, the 2014 World Cup winner, responds to links with Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ghana seeks a new coach after Otto Addo's dismissal, and Löw is reportedly near the top of the shortlist. He has been out of coaching since 2021 but signals openness to new challenges. Official talks with the Ghana Football Association have not yet occurred, and competing candidates include Renard and Regragui.

Al Nassr post international break Saudi Pro League photo
Saudi Pro League

After the Break, Al Nassr Roars: The Saudi Pro League Title Bid Rolls On

Al Nassr resumes the Saudi Pro League aiming to extend a perfect post-break run. They sit atop the table with 67 points as they prepare to face Al Najma, who are anchored at the bottom with 8. The champions rely on momentum built after the international window to push toward the title, last won seven years ago. The league paused for FIFA windows last year, with an Arab Cup break in December adding another pause to the calendar.