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Al Nassr has left Sadio Mane out of the UAE training camp in Abu Dhabi, citing rest ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The move comes as Mane is set to join Senegal for AFCON in Morocco. The club aims to protect him from fatigue before crucial fixtures. Depending on AFCON, Mane could miss several important Saudi Pro League and AFC matches.
Neshat Akram, a legend of Iraqi football, says he was robbed of the 2007 Asian Player of the Year award despite having the numbers to back his case. The prize went to Yasser Al-Qahtani, with Younis Mahmoud close behind. Akram reflects on Iraq’s 2007 AFC Cup triumph and his own career, arguing that his achievements deserved recognition. He acknowledges the fairness of some awards but insists his case was overlooked. The piece also recalls Iraq’s historic Asian Cup win and the role of club success in his legacy.
Milan is exploring a replacement for Maignan if he does not renew his contract. Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunín emerges as a leading option. Maignan’s stellar form has kept him as a leader for Milan, despite occasional dips. The move highlights Milan’s ambition under Allegri and Tare, with Mendes’ network potentially shaping the deal.
Abdullah Al-Hamdān sets a bold tone ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Arab Cup 2025 clash with Morocco. He praises the team’s readiness, acknowledges Morocco’s quality, and stresses the aim of a perfect group run with a clean sheet. The report also notes a new two-minute injury protocol and a FIFA rule tweak under trial for the Arab Cup. The piece closes with a light take on the World Cup draw and Saudi’s challenging path forward.
Saudi assistant coach François Rodríguez emphasizes the Morocco match as a key Arab Cup fixture and world cup prep, even with qualification secured. He describes the team as evolving and focused on minimizing errors, while acknowledging the plan for rotation. The dialogue highlights respect for Morocco’s attacking strength and the need for a competitive, calm approach as Renard joins the discussions. Players are eager to prove themselves, and the staff remains measured and prepared for various scenarios ahead of kickoff.
Arab national teams will travel vast distances for the World Cup 2026 group stage across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Seven nations participate: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Al Arabiya reports that Qatar will be the farthest traveler, about 14,700 kilometers, from Doha to North American venues. The article breaks down each team's route from their capitals to the match cities, turning football into a continental road trip.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti unveils his squad for the Napoli clash at the Diego Maradona Stadium. The coach breaks routine by traveling on match day to dodge Napoli’s crowd. Several key players are sidelined in defense and attack. Napoli sits third in Serie A with 28 points, while Juventus sit seventh with 23, setting up a compelling chapter in this season’s Derby di Italia.
Sergio Ramos has announced he will not renew his Monterrey contract in 2026 after joining in February. The Spanish great, 39, leaves following Monterrey’s exit from the winter tournament’s semi-finals. The defender hints at a return to Europe to chase a role with Spain ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A classic late-career chapter with a dash of mystery and a hint of world-class ambition.
Al-Nassr is weighing a bold domestic signing to strengthen its defense ahead of the winter window. The club has identified Walid Al-Ahmad from Al-Taawoun as a top target, following strong Arab Cup form. The move comes as coach Jorge Jesus pushes to reinforce the back line amid a congested schedule. Nassr is also preparing for an UAE training camp and sits atop the Saudi Pro League, eyeing AFC Champions League progression.
Saudi Arabia heads to World Cup 2026 with high hopes on and off the pitch. They will face Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde in the group. Meteorologists warn that US host cities could see sudden storms that disrupt games. The piece notes potential weather-related disruptions in Miami, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Boston, and Dallas.
Hani Shukri denies any plan for a mass resignation as Zamalek faces a severe debt crisis. He outlines the financial toll the club inherited and the repayments already made. He cautions that resignation would only come if someone could fully resolve the club’s crises, noting the 2.5 billion pounds needed to settle all obligations. The piece highlights the scale of the challenge and the ongoing efforts to stabilize finances, with a touch of cautious humor to lighten the mood.
Real Madrid head into a La Liga clash with Celta Vigo with a potential midfield reshuffle under Xabi Alonso. The plan centers on a four-man engine around Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham, with Tchouaméni anchoring the middle. Mbappe and Vinicius Jr remain the constant front pair as the team weighs defensive tweaks ahead of a big European test. The Catalan press hints Madrid aim to convert Bilbao’s win into momentum at home, while preparing for City.
Inter defeated Como 4-0 in Serie A, but the mood was far from flawless. Manager Cristian Kivo suggested the performance could have been better, citing nerves in the first half and praising the second-half improvement. He stressed the need for calmer, quicker passing and the integration of new players. The piece blends tactical insight with self-deprecating humor, ending on a note of passion for the club.
Saudi Arabia’s Hervé Renard tries to notch his first win against Morocco in the 2025 Arab Cup. The clash in Group B could decide the group winner and runner-up. The Green Falcons lead the group on six points, two ahead of Morocco. Renard’s past encounters with Morocco add a wrinkle to the heat of competition. Morocco’s challenge is tempered by Renard’s own coaching history with both nations.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is racing to be fit for Barcelona's clash with Osasuna as Hansi Flick sticks with Garcia for now. Mundo Deportivo notes the 33-year-old is nearing the end of his back-injury rehab, with medical clearance expected soon. Barcelona's coach appears convinced Garcia is the starter, while Ter Stegen's future at the club remains unresolved amid transfer talk. As January approaches, Barca must balance finances, contracts, and competition for the gloves, with Ter Stegen's international future also in play.
Saleh Almutlaq, the former Saudi star, argues that Saudi Arabia is not among the Arab Cup 2025 elite despite reaching the quarterfinals. The team were the first to advance, beating Oman and Comoros. They now face Morocco in a key group-stage clash, seen by many as a formality. Almutlaq warns that the shift from skill to power could complicate Saudi World Cup preparations.
Hesham Nasser publicly addresses multiple crises at Zamalek, including the Bentayik contract and the October land dispute. He emphasizes that legal avenues are being pursued for players with overdue payments and that the club will strive to resolve the matters soon. The article also covers talks of launching a separate football company to ensure financial independence, while acknowledging past missteps and the need for clearer communication with fans. The board vows to fight for the land, explore alternatives, and stay prepared for all outcomes.
Football fans gear up for a packed Sunday in Qatar as the Arab Cup returns for its third round. The day features Qatar vs Tunisia and Syria vs Palestine, with another Qatar-Tunisia clash at the same kickoff. In parallel, major European leagues continue their cadence across La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and Serie A. This guide breaks down where to watch, who’s commentating, and when to tune in, with a dash of practical tips for watching from anywhere.
Across football's glittering history, legends chase silverware. Lionel Messi leads the all-time trophies tally across clubs and Argentina. He recently added Copa America 2024 to his haul, bringing him to 48 titles. The rankings also spotlight Dani Alves, Hosam Ashour, Iniesta, and Ronaldo among the most decorated.
Inter Miami wins MLS Cup for the first time, powered by Lionel Messi's impact and two late goals. A contentious early own goal opened the scoring, followed by Messi-provided assists for De Paul and Allende. Vancouver's Ali Ahmed equalized before Miami pulled away in stoppage time. A historic night for Miami and a moment plotting Messi’s legend further.
