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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.

Jalal Hassan centenary tribute Basra Iraq UAE playoff
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Centurion Keeper, Basra Clash: Iraq Faces UAE in a High-Stakes World Cup Playoff

Iraq honors goalkeeper Jalal Hassan ahead of the decisive Asia World Cup playoff against the United Arab Emirates in Basra. The return leg follows a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi, with both teams chasing a spot in the global playoff for 2026. Hassan’s centenary is celebrated as Iraq eyes another giant step toward the World Cup, while coaches Arnold and Olăroiu plot their final strategies. The atmosphere in Basra is expected to be electric as history, nerves, and football collide.

Benzema return to Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior in the spotlight
transfers

Benzema Hints at a Real Madrid Comeback as Vinícius Júnior Keeps the Spotlight on Madrid

Karim Benzema, now at Al-Ittihad, hints at a possible Real Madrid return in a recent interview. He praises Madrid as the best club and expresses ongoing admiration while noting the team’s current potential. He also weighs in on Vinícius Júnior, highlighting his talent and the pressures he faces. The piece revisits Benzema’s impactful spell in Saudi Arabia and the evolving dynamics at Madrid’s camp, leaving the door ajar for a future reunion.

Egypt vs Cape Verde friendly - Hassan vs Mustafa Mohamed tension and substitution drama
friendly

When Substitution Sparks a Rift: Hassan vs Mustafa Mohamed, a Locker Room Saga

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan stirs fresh controversy after a late substitution against Cape Verde, intensifying tensions with Mustafa Mohamed. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Egypt advancing on penalties. Hassan’s fiery post-game remarks amplified the dispute, recalling earlier clashes and Mustafa Mohamed’s form under Hassan. The article also revisits past friction and the broader context ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Zamalek performance analyst leaves amid coaching reshuffle
Egyptian Premier League

Farewell to Zamalek’s Analytics Whisperer: A Tactical Exit and a Coaching Shakeup

Mohamed Alaa, Zamalek’s performance analyst, announces his departure in a heartfelt note, confirming the club’s ongoing reshuffle. The move follows prior reports of internal talks about changes within the analytics team. Alaa recalls a deep bond with the club, cherishes his Zamalkawy identity, and hints at an ambitious UAE camp experience. Meanwhile, the club confirms a leadership change in the technical team, with a spotlight on the trio of foreign coaches whose records are weighed against the club’s ambitions.

Kylian Mbappé back in form at Real Madrid, chasing France’s all-time scorer
Transfer

Mbappé Reawakens: Madrid’s Spark Returns as France’s Crown Hangs in the Balance

Mbappé has rediscovered his swagger with Real Madrid after a hesitant start to the season. He joined Madrid in 2024 on a free transfer from PSG, ending seven years at the Parc des Princes era. Despite off-field clashes, his on-field form has reignited France’s World Cup 2026 ambitions. The road is bumpy, with past setbacks and a captain’s armband debate, but the comeback fragrance is unmistakable.

Egypt coach Hosam Hassan fiery press conference AFCON shadow and salary dispute
AFCON

Trouble in Cairo: Queiroz’s Ghost, Salary Storm, and Hosam Hassan’s AFCON Outburst

Egyptian coach Hosam Hassan erupted after a tense win in the Al Ain Cup, signaling unsettled waters ahead of AFCON. The outburst touched on the lingering shadow of Carlos Queiroz and a salary dispute that has fans and insiders talking. Egypt will compete in a tough AFCON group in Morocco, with Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola on the slate. Behind the drama lie history, national pride, and ongoing negotiations about coaching and pay in the national setup. A pinch of humor closes the piece as the payroll saga continues.

Adrien Rabiot returns to Milan ahead of Inter derby in Serie A
Derby della Madonnina

Rabiot’s Comeback Countdown: Milan-Inter Derby Sparks a Serie A Showdown

Milan prepare for the Derby della Madonnina against Inter as Adrien Rabiot battles back from a month-plus injury. His return could tilt the Serie A title race, adding urgency to Milanello’s plans. The team’s recent form has hinged on his influence, while questions linger about whether he’ll start. The piece also revisits Rabiot’s Marseille exit and his decorated trajectory through PSG, Juventus, and France.

Hervé Renard speaks at a press conference ahead of Saudi-Algeria friendly
Arab Cup

Green Falcons Seek Balance as They Face Algeria in a Friendly

Saudi Arabia prepares for the 23rd clash against an African Arab rival, Algeria, in a friendly designed to sharpen both teams for upcoming commitments. The Saudis chase momentum ahead of the Arab Cup in Qatar, while Algeria primes for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a locally assembled squad. The encounter adds to a long history of close meetings between North African sides and the Saudis, typically played in a light, preparatory setting. Coach Hervé Renard aims for a positive display and a steadier rhythm amid a crowded schedule.

Getty Images 2012 Man City QPR Aguero last-minute winner
Premier League

When the Ball Hit the Net, So Did the Theories: The City–QPR Debacle Revisited

The 2012 Manchester City–Queens Park Rangers clash remains famous for Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time winner. Years later, Mike Dean’s remarks and Wayne Rooney’s conspiracy claims sparked renewed debate about whether events were orchestrated. The narrative centers on late drama, unusual ball plays, and the absence of concrete evidence. Experts largely dismiss the conspiracy, but the intrigue endures, with players and pundits weighing in on what truly happened. A touch of humor finishes the piece to remind readers that sometimes a hedgehog runs with the ball—then hides.

Sami Al-Jaber on Al Hilal bench depth and Mawalid controversy
Saudi Pro League

Bench Under Fire: Sami Al-Jaber Slams Al Hilal's Depth and the Mawalid Label as a Disaster

Saudi football legend Sami Al-Jaber criticizes Al Hilal’s bench depth, calling it weaker than before. He links injuries to the coaching change from Jorge Jesus to Simone Inzaghi and questions preseason preparation. He advocates a greater emphasis on local players and scrutinizes the Mawalid foreign-born policy, while praising Renard’s candid approach. The piece framesArab Cup preparations and ongoing league pressure as a test for the squad and its management.

AFCON 2025 in Morocco impacts Premier League players and clubs
Premier League

AFCON 2025: Which Premier League Clubs Will Feel the Brunt of Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco?

The Africa Cup of Nations is being held earlier this year in Morocco, pulling players from many Premier League squads. The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, with no final release date set for club call-ups. Several clubs face notable absences, especially Sunderland and Wolverhampton, while others expect minimal disruption. This piece outlines which teams are affected and how many players might be away, with a touch of light humor at the end.

Pedri return to training Barcelona Chelsea 2025 left hamstring tear
Champions League

Pedri Inches Closer to Return: Can He Be Fit for Barcelona's Chelsea Showdown?

Pedri, Barcelona’s rising star, is edging back from a short injury layoff as Barca prepare for a crucial Champions League clash with Chelsea. The medical timetable suggests a gradual comeback and the possibility of rejoining the squad in coming days. Last season he played 59 matches and missed only one due to illness, beating past injury woes. This season he started strong, but Barcelona remains cautious to ensure a full recovery before rushing him back.

Salem Al-Dosari 100th cap with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Pro League

Centurion on the Pitch: Salem Al-Dosari Promises More Magic Before Arab Cup 2025

Salem Al-Dosari, captain of the Saudi national team, celebrates his 100th international appearance and Asia's Best Player 2025. He speaks about the honor of representing his country and his drive to keep pushing for more achievements. The piece highlights his stand-out club form with Al-Hilal, the upcoming friendly against Algeria in Jeddah, and his ongoing influence in Asian and world football. It also notes his nomination for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2025 and his continued pursuit of glory.

Lewandowski stays focused on renewal talks with Barcelona while maintaining elite form, blending leadership for Poland with a late-career peak in La Liga.
La Liga

Lewandowski's Calm Power: No Pressure for Barcelona Renewal as Age Refines His Edge

Lewandowski is thriving at Barcelona, saying he won’t rush a contract renewal. He credits experience for a calmer, more focused approach this season. Despite muscle issues, his form remains elite and leadership is growing for both club and Poland. He hints at possible changes to his role if needed and emphasizes happiness in Barcelona. The piece also traces his storied career across Poland, Germany, and Spain, underscoring his legacy as one of football’s greats.