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Al-Nassr is waiting for the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 draw after sealing top spot in Group D. They head into the final group game against Al-Zawraa with a perfect 15 points. The knockout draw is set for December 30 at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Potential opponents come from the runners-up of Groups 1-3, with a diverse mix of clubs across Asia.
Riyad Mahrez, Algeria's captain, declares no excuses as his team begins AFCON in Morocco. He frames the tournament as a key chance to blend youth with experience, while addressing Algeria's recent group-stage exits and the criticism over his age. He emphasizes focus on the national team and a strong start against Sudan, and notes the warm reception in Morocco tied to his mother's heritage. The message is clear: Algeria will give their all to push for another major triumph.
An injury sidelined Mohammed Siamakan for up to four weeks, forcing Al-Nassr to navigate eight upcoming matches. The French defender suffered a hamstring strain during a team training session. Al-Yawm lists the fixtures including Al-Zawraa, Al-Akhdood, Ettifaq, and more. Siamakan has 15 appearances this season with two goals, and his absence tests the squad depth as ACL 2 action looms.
Simone Inzaghi, head coach of Al Hilal, plans a three-player clearout in the upcoming winter window. The club aims to strengthen multiple positions with January signings. Sources point to the possible exit of French goalkeeper Mathéo Batouye and a loan move for Abdul Karim Drisi. Darwin Nunez could stay due to injuries, while Kaio Cesar’s departure remains on the table with those moves, and yes, it’s drama you can bank on in January.
German coach Matthias Jaissle signals the first winter exit at Al-Ahli Jeddah. Ayman Flatah could move on loan for six months after interest from several clubs. Flatah, 21, impressed last season and is viewed as a young midfield talent. Al-Ahli recently beat Al-Shorta 5-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, highlighting the club's ongoing form.
Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan explains the early substitution of Emam Ashour during the AFCON opener against Zimbabwe in Agadir. The move aimed to quickly adjust the attack after Ashour’s return from a long injury layoff, and the midfielder accepted it calmly. Egypt won 2-1, with Marmoush leveling and Salah delivering a late winner. The exchange highlights Egypt’s measured approach as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Sami Al-Jaber proposes an audacious fix for Saudi football, advocating a Saudi-only club built from top national and Olympic players. The idea aims to revive the national team amid debates over reliance on foreign stars. The proposal cites Athletic Bilbao as a European precedent. It remains to be seen whether Diriyah could lead this bold new chapter.
Al Hilal reportedly yielded to Robin Neves's wish to depart the club in the near future. The team is said to be open to listening to offers during the winter window as the Portuguese midfielder eyes a return to Europe. Bid discussions are expected to revolve around a € amount above £15 million following renewal talks' collapse. Neves, who arrived from Wolverhampton in 2023, helped the club secure multiple trophies and shone at the Club World Cup, with his contract due to expire at season's end, keeping his future very much in the balance.
Santos confirms Neymar underwent a successful knee arthroscopy performed by Rodrigo Lasmar. The operation targets a meniscus injury and Neymar is said to be in good condition. No exact return date was given, with rumors suggesting up to a month of recovery. Even when injured, he has contributed in recent matches, and a six-month contract with Santos is anticipated while Brazil's World Cup plans loom.
Barcelona faces a decisive winter choice as Christensen's long injury stretches the defense. With Araujo's return uncertain, a loan move appears the most realistic option. Hansi Flick has signaled a potential defensive reinforcement for January, per AS's report. The club must act quickly to stabilise the backline ahead of the Derby and the tough weeks ahead.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will host the AFC Champions League Elite Final 2026 from April 16 to 25. The two venues—King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium—will host the decisive matches, with eight teams battling in a single-elimination format for a $12 million prize. The road to the final includes a March Round of 16, a March 25 draw, and knockout legs leading to the crown.
Hamad Al-Muntashri, the former Al-Ittihad star, expresses unwavering confidence in his club to overcome Nasaf Qarshi. The clash is set at Enmaa Stadium as part of the AFC Champions League Elite stage for 2025-26. He warns that a failure to win could force Al-Ittihad to bow out. The UAE camp helped lift form and fitness ahead of a crucial run of matches.
AC Milan terminated Divock Origi's contract by mutual consent after months of negotiations. The move comes as Milan edges closer to signing Niklas Vollkrug from West Ham. Origi, who joined Milan in 2022 from Liverpool, struggled to make an impact and had limited appearances. The deal reportedly valued around 300k euros per month, signaling a reshuffle to strengthen the attack.
Aryna Sabalenka hits a historic milestone by reaching 70 weeks at world No.1, becoming the 12th player ever to do so since rankings began in 1975. Born in 1998, she joins a selective club of post-1997 stars chasing the sport’s legends. The 70-week tally spans two separate runs, with a commanding lead that suggests more No.1 weeks to come. This narrative stacks Sabalenka among the era’s defining figures as the chase for history continues.
Hossam Hassan clarified the reason for taking Imam Ashour off after 34 minutes in Egypt’s AFCON opener against Zimbabwe. Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2-1 to start their campaign in Morocco. The coach cited protection of a returning player and a calculated plan to manage pressure. He insisted the decision benefited both Ashour and the team, and the victory put Egypt top of the group. The match demonstrated how strategic choices can shape a tournament from the very first whistle.
Egypt finally snapped a lengthy AFCON drought by beating Zimbabwe 2-1, ending a winless run that stretched across 1,422 days. The victory follows a series of near-misses and draws in previous tournaments, including a semifinal scare against Cameroon and a string of 2-2 group-stage results in Ivory Coast. With three points now on the board in the Morocco-hosted edition, Egypt eyes a tough clash with South Africa. Salah's late heroics provided the spark fans had waited for.
Hazem Emam criticizes Egypt's players for missing clear chances against Zimbabwe in the AFCON opener, despite a dominant display. He argues the team controlled play from start to finish and finishing let them down. Salah secured the win in stoppage time, but the performance highlighted room for improvement. The coach did his job; now the players must convert opportunities and avoid late nerves, especially with South Africa looming.
Egypt kicks off AFCON 2025 in Morocco with Omar Marmoush’s 63rd-minute goal. The strike marks his ninth international goal in 41 appearances and echoes his Ivory Coast edition form. Zimbabwe had taken the lead early, via Prince Dube, before Marmoush leveled. Mohamed Hamdi was forced off with an injury late on, with Ahmed Fattouh coming on. The Pharaohs secure an encouraging start as the tournament unfolds.
Liverpool issued an official update on Alexander Isaac after his injury against Tottenham. Isaac underwent successful ankle surgery and will begin rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. A timetable for return has not been fixed, but reports suggest about four months away. Fans hope for a quick recovery, with a touch of humor to lighten the wait.
Alessandro Bastoni reveals he wanted to depart Inter Milan during Antonio Conte's tenure. He explains the context of his arrival, his loan wish, and Conte's insistence on keeping him. The piece also notes Barcelona’s interest as a future target. It paints a portrait of a player who fought to prove himself in a strong squad.
