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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.

Salm Al-Dosri injury ahead of Al Hilal vs Al Taawon in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal’s Star Hits a Snag: Salim Al-Dosri’s Knee Dilemma Ahead of the Taawon Showdown

Saudi star Salim Al-Dosri faces a knee issue that could sideline him before Al Hilal’s clash with Al Taawon. The match, set for Kingdom Arena, is pivotal in the Roshen Saudi Pro League’s 27th round. Reports say he is not yet fully recovered, clouding his availability. Meanwhile, the club reportedly plans to have him ready for the AFC Champions League last-16 tie against Al-Sadd on April 13. Al-Dosri’s season totals remain solid (27 appearances, 8 goals, 10 assists), underscoring how impactful his absence would be.

Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestiani and Vinícius Júnior in a tense Champions League clash in Portugal
Champions League

No Evidence, No Silence: Prestiani Responds as Ban Looms Over Vinícius Allegations

Gianluca Prestiani, Benfica’s 20-year-old midfielder, denies directing any racist insult at Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League Round of 16 match in Portugal. UEFA banned him from the return leg at the Bernabéu amid ongoing investigations. Vinícius had alleged the insult, triggering a major controversy on and off the pitch. Prestiani spoke to Telefe, expressing hurt over being punished for something he says he didn’t do, and thanked Benfica for their steadfast support.

Gianluigi Donnarumma after Italy's World Cup 2026 playoff exit
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Donnarumma Breaks Silence as Italy’s World Cup Dream Crashes in European Playoff

Gianluigi Donnarumma finally spoke out after Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri were edged out by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties following a 1-1 draw. This marks Italy’s third straight World Cup absence, prompting a four-year rebuild. Donnarumma’s message on social media sounded hopeful, while the federation had restricted comments in certain zones.

Lionel Scaloni press conference interruption in Buenos Aires after Argentina's 5-0 win over Zambia
Friendly match

Fan Crashes Argentina Coach's Post-Match Conference with a Warnings Note

Argentina's head coach Scaloni was surprised when a fan interrupted the post-match press conference after a 5-0 win over Zambia. The scene unfolded in Buenos Aires as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup. Speculation swirls around Messi's potential final appearance on Argentine soil. Security intervened quickly, and the squad remains focused on the World Cup journey ahead. A touch of humor caps the moment as the unexpected guest left with the room in a mix of astonishment and amusement.

Steven Bergwijn injury update ahead of Al Ittihad vs Al Hazm in Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Bergwijn’s Injury Shake-Up: Will He Feature in the Ittihad–Hazm Showdown?

Steven Bergwijn, the Dutch winger for Al Ittihad, suffers a sudden injury in training, casting doubt over Friday’s clash with Al Hazm. The match takes place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah as round 27 of the Saudi Pro League unfolds. Reports from Al Riyadhiah indicate the issue arose during a Sunday session, causing him to miss a friendly against Al Wehda. The coaching staff opted for an isolated recovery plan to avoid aggravation. Bergwijn has tallied 25 appearances this season, with 9 goals and 4 assists across competitions.

Harry Kane injury Bayern Munich ahead of Real Madrid match
Champions League

Kane Injury Sparks Bayern Crisis Ahead of Real Madrid Showdown

Harry Kane’s injury casts a shadow over Bayern Munich as they head to Real Madrid for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. Tuchel confirms the setback emerged suddenly and will rely on medical tests to decide his availability. Kane’s absence would force Bayern to rethink their attacking plan against a tough Madrid defense. The outcome hinges on quick diagnostics and a sharp game-time strategy. Bonus: football drama, minus the popcorn budget.

Al Ahli Jeddah vs Al Duhail AFC Champions League Elite clash in Jeddah
AFC Champions League Elite

No Nudge, AFC Says: Al Ahli's Schedule Shuffle Denied Ahead of Elite Showdown

The AFC rejected Al Ahli Jeddah's bid to shift the date of their Elite Round of 16 clash with Al Duhail. The match remains set for April 13 at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, as part of a doubleheader with Al Hilal vs Al Sadd. The quarterfinal draw took place in Kuala Lumpur, outlining potential brackets for the next rounds. Al Ahli had hoped the change would boost attendance, but the decision stands. The focus now shifts to preparations and the evolving lineup of the tournament.

Iraq celebrates historic World Cup qualification after defeating Bolivia in Monterrey
World Cup Qualifiers

Iraq's World Cup Dream Realized: Prime Minister Drops a Promise to the Lions of Mesopotamia

Iraq made history by sealing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in Monterrey. The victory ends a World Cup drought that stretched back to 1986 and prompts official celebrations at home. The Prime Minister called the squad to congratulate them and pledged recognition and rewards on their return to Baghdad. Analysts and fans alike are already dreaming about potential World Cup fixtures and Iraqi football's bright future.

Egypt condemns racist chants during Spain friendly; Spanish authorities vow action as Egypt earns a 0-0 draw in Barcelona.
International Friendlies

Egypt and Spain Share a 0-0 Draw as Racism Controversy Steals Spotlight in Barcelona Friendly

In a Barcelona friendly, Spain and Egypt played to a goalless draw. A minority of spectators directed racist chants toward Islam, which the Egyptian federation condemned while praising Spain’s official stance. Egypt fought hard, even with ten men after a 84th-minute sending off, to secure a respectable result ahead of the World Cup 2026. Spanish authorities opened investigations into the incidents, underscoring football’s ongoing battle against discrimination. The match highlighted resilience on the pitch and the global push to eliminate prejudice from the stands.

Lamine Yamal condemns racist chants during Spain-Egypt friendly
racism

Ignorance on Display: Yamal Speaks Out After Spain's Anti-Muslim Chanting

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona star and Spain's rising talent, condemned the anti-Islam chants from some fans during a Spain-Egypt friendly. Spain and Egypt played to a goalless draw as both teams prepared for the World Cup 2026. The incident drew swift condemnation from the federation, Espanyol, and the government. Yamal took to social media to label the chants as ignorant and racist, reaffirming that football should be inclusive. The match underscored ongoing concerns about racism in football and the need for accountability.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold eyes World Cup 2026 shock after Bolivia playoff win
World Cup 2026

Iraq's World Cup Shock Plan: Arnold Promises to Haunt the World in 2026

Iraq secured a historic World Cup 2026 spot with a 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia in Monterrey. Coach Graham Arnold celebrates a milestone, vowing to surprise football fans worldwide. Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986 sets up a bold group including France, Senegal, and Norway. Arnold emphasizes a fearless mindset and the honor of competing against football superpowers while insisting Iraq has nothing to lose. The piece ends with light humor about unlikely upsets.

Egyptian referee Amin Omar to officiate USM Alger vs Olympique Safi CAF Cup semi-final
CAF Confederation Cup

North Africa on Edge: Egyptian Ref to Lead USM Alger vs Olympique Safi in CAF Cup Semifinal

Egyptian referee Amin Omar is set to officiate the first leg between USM Alger and Olympique Safi in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals. A Rwandan official is assigned for the return leg. The first leg will be played in Algeria on April 11, with the return on April 19 at Stade de la Marche. The winner advances to the final to face the other semi-final winner between Zamalek and CR Belouizdad.

Morocco defender Shadi Riyad apologizes for liking Senegal AFCON celebrations
AFCON 2025

Morocco Defender’s Apology: Liking Senegal’s AFCON Celebrations Sparks Debate

Morocco’s Shadi Riyad apologizes after admitting he liked posts celebrating Senegal’s 2025 AFCON win. The CAF title was honorary, but Senegal has escalated to CAS, with friendlies in March fueling the dispute. The episode drew fan backlash toward several Moroccan players who interacted with Senegalese posts. The piece outlines the timeline, key players involved, and Riyad’s heartfelt message, ending with light, snappy closing gags.

Jeremie Frimbong injury from Netherlands vs Ecuador friendly ahead of Liverpool’s match vs Manchester City
premier league

Injury Blow Clouds Liverpool’s City Clash: International Break Disrupts the Reds

Liverpool suffer a key setback as Jeremie Frimbong is sidelined by an injury picked up on international duty. The injury comes at a crucial moment as the Reds chase top-four and a deep European run. They sit fifth in the Premier League with 49 points, five behind fourth-placed Villa. Liverpool also face a Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain while continuing their FA Cup pursuit.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso under pressure after World Cup qualifier loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina
World Cup Qualifiers

Italy's World Cup Hangover: Will Gattuso Survive the Post-Qualifiers Storm?

Italy's World Cup dream suffered a brutal setback after a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering a tense period of introspection and debate. The Azzurri were eliminated on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending their bid for the 2026 finals. Federation president Gravina signaled a desire for stability by asking Gattuso to stay and stressing internal, sporting evaluations. The article hints at political layers within the federation as it plots its next move, with a touch of humor to soften the tension.