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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.

Bahrain vs Djibouti Arab Cup qualifier image
Arab Cup

Arab Cup Knockout: Bahrain Gears Up to Edge Djibouti in a High-Stakes Do-or-Die Qualifier

Bahrain hosts Djibouti in a knockout Arab Cup qualifier in Doha, with the winner trebling a spot in the group stage. The match sets up a path to Group 4 alongside Algeria and Iraq, while Lebanon vs Sudan also decides another berth. Both teams arrive with mixed recent form, making the clash more tense than a last-minute script twist. Coach Dragan Talich frames the game as a special knockout tie demanding focus and collective grit.

Egyptian referee Mahmoud Al-Banna retirement photo

When the Whistle Silences: Mahmoud Al-Banna Bows Out After 24 Years on the Pitch

Egyptian international referee Mahmoud Al-Banna has officially retired from officiating in Egypt after a 24-year career, including 12 years at the international level. He cited unfair administrative conditions as the reason for stepping away, choosing to honor his history and principles. Throughout his career, he was known for discipline, calm, and commanding big games in CAF and Arab competitions. The federation appointed a new leadership to reform the refereeing system. This piece revisits his journey and the reaction to his decision.

Pyramids FC celebrate a 2-0 win over Al Mokawloon in Cairo
Egyptian Premier League

Pyramids Strike Back: A 2-0 Victory Sends Them Up to 2nd in Egypt’s League

Pyramids FC defeated Al Mokawloon Al Arab 2-0 at Defense Stadium in Cairo to firm their grip on a top-two spot. Blati Touré opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Marwan Hamdi sealing it from a late penalty. The win lifts Pyramids to 23 points, just behind Al Ahly on goal difference and six ahead of Ceramica Cleopatra. Two league matches remain postponed as the club eye CAF competition duty in December.

Liverpool training press conference Arne Slot ahead of Champions League Eindhoven game at Anfield 2025
Champions League

Slot Calls for Focus and Fire as Liverpool Stares Down Eindhoven in Europe’s Eye of the Storm

Arne Slot held a wide press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Eindhoven at Anfield. He addressed the stinging weekend loss to Nottingham Forest, defended his team’s progress, and outlined the challenge Eindhoven pose. Slot emphasized improved defending, while acknowledging the need to convert more chances and avoid costly errors. The vibe: no excuses, just work and a plan to bounce back. Expect a tactical, no-nonsense night under the lights.

Al Hilal vs Al Shorta, AFC Elite Champions League, Bono decision, Getty Images
AFC Champions League

Bono Benched, New Faces Rise: Inzaghi’s Bold Shuffle Ahead of Elite AFC Clash

Inzaghi surprised fans by benching Yassine Bono as Al Hilal rotated for a crucial AFC Elite Champions League match against Al Shorta. The move aimed to rest key players amid a packed schedule, giving Matteo Batouillet his first start and shaking up the usual lineup. The article also highlights Bono’s leadership and the team’s hopes to balance form across competitions. Evolution on and off the pitch raises questions about Bono’s role during AFCON and how the rotation will impact Hilal’s ambitions in Asia and domestically. Expect strategic risk-taking from Inzaghi and a watchful Bono as the squad adapts to a demanding campaign.

Al-Nassr training camp Abu Dhabi 2025 with Jorge Jesus
Saudi Pro League

No Six, Big Comeback: Al-Nassr’s UAE Camp Signals a Saudi League Return

Al-Nassr teams up with UAE’s Al-Wahda for a focused five-day camp in Abu Dhabi during the Arab Cup break in Qatar. They’ll play a warm-up against Al-Wahda while six players miss due to national duty. A final ACL 2 group stage match against Esteghlal Dushanbe precedes the camp, after which the team aims to maintain top form in a congested schedule. Jorge Jesus is steering a revival that already boasts a nine-match winning streak, underscoring a demanding but rewarding phase ahead. Expect sharp attacking play, careful squad management, and a few light jokes as the clock ticks down to the league resume.

Kuwait earns a 2-0 win over Mauritania in Doha to advance to the Arab Cup group stage, joining UAE, Egypt, and Jordan in Group C.
Arab Cup

Kuwait Delivers in Doha: Road to the Arab Cup Group Stage Paved with a 2-0 Win Over Mauritania

Kuwait earned a spot in the Arab Cup group stage with a 2-0 victory over Mauritania in Doha. Mohammed Daham opened the scoring, followed by an own goal from Mauritania's Mohammed Nouh to seal the win. The result positions Kuwait in Group C with UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, while Mauritania exits early under Aritz Garai. Helio Sousa marks his first official win in charge, after a Cairo training camp.

Al Ahli Jeddah vs Manchester United friendly canceled; Wydad as potential substitute in Jeddah
friendly-match

Saudi Club’s Friendly Fumble: United Talks Collapse and a Moroccan Substitute Emerges

Al Ahli Jeddah failed to arrange a pre-season friendly with Manchester United during the Saudi league break for the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar. The English club reportedly demanded fees that scuttled the deal. As a backup, Ahli looked at a Moroccan opponent, notably Wydad Casablanca, with talks already opened. The article also covers Ahli’s AFC Champions League setback against Sharjah and the looming challenges ahead. Expect tactical reassessment, a training camp in Jeddah, and a cautious path to recovery.

PSG captain Marquinhos set for a landmark 500th PSG appearance as Tottenham visit the Parc des Princes in a UEFA Champions League clash.
UEFA Champions League

Milestone Night in Paris: Marquinhos Battles Tottenham in PSG’s 500th Match

PSG captain Marquinhos is set to play his 500th match for the club as they host Tottenham in a Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes. Coach Luis Enrique hopes the 31-year-old can enjoy many more years at the heart of PSG’s defense. Marquinhos came on as a substitute in PSG’s recent win over Le Havre and is expected to start if fully fit. The match revisits a recent European encounter and adds another chapter to PSG’s ongoing European campaign.

Zawraa vs Goa ACL 2 press conference image
Asian Champions League 2

Zawraa’s Tactical Pivot: A Closer Look at the ACL 2 Showdown with Goa

A focused press conference previewed Zawraa’s clash with Goa in ACL 2. The Iraqi side outlined a tactical evolution under coach Emad Al-Nahas and emphasized maintaining form amid a tight schedule. Goa was described as disciplined and dangerous on the counter, demanding respect and concentration. Key players like Hussein Falah and Meithm Jabar were highlighted as pivotal to the pursuit of qualification.

Inter Milan faces Atletico Madrid with a growing injury list ahead of a pivotal Champions League clash in Madrid.
Champions League

Absence Ghosts Haunt Inter Ahead of Atletico Madrid Showdown

Inter Milan heads to Madrid with a growing injury list ahead of a pivotal Champions League clash. Five starters were ruled out of the latest training session, casting doubt on the lineup. Inter sit on 12 points after four group wins, but their big-match record under coach Kevo remains under scrutiny. The run of fixtures includes Liverpool, Arsenal at San Siro, and Dortmund away, testing their depth. Marcus Thuram insists the project remains intact despite the setbacks.

FIFA confirms Ronaldo will play in the 2026 World Cup opener amid a one-match ban stemming from a red card against Ireland.
World Cup

Ronaldo clears the hurdle: FIFA confirms World Cup 2026 opener stays on track

Cristiano Ronaldo appears set to feature in Portugal’s World Cup 2026 opener after FIFA upheld a one-match suspension. Earlier reports suggested a three-game ban, tied to a red card against Ireland, could have ruled him out at the start of the tournament. The Portuguese federation argued for leniency, pointing to context and Ronaldo’s clean disciplinary record. The piece also reflects on Ronaldo’s looming final World Cup chapter and the broader expectations around Portugal.

Arab Cup qualifier Oman vs Somalia in Doha with Queiroz
Arab Cup

Trailblazing to the Arab Cup: Can Oman Upset Somalia in Doha?

Oman and Somalia clash in a pivotal Arab Cup qualifier in Doha, with the winner heading to the group stage. Oman arrive with a track record and a recent camp that aims to steady the ship after World Cup disappointment. Somalia seek a historic result after a morale-boosting win, hoping to upset the more established side. The match promises atmosphere, strategy, and a test of character as both teams chase a place in the tournament’s groups.

Ramadan Sobhi’s trial continues as court delays ruling in a forgery case linked to exam papers at Pharaohs Institute.
football-legal

Ramadan Sobhi’s Court Stay: Verdict Date Set as Forensic Drama Unfolds

Ramadan Sobhi, the football star of Pyramids FC, remains detained as his forgery case progresses in an Egyptian court. The Giza Criminal Court postponed the ruling to December 30, with all defendants kept in custody. The hearing revealed allegations of forging exam papers and attendance records at a Pharaohs Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotels, involving Sobhi and associates. The session featured heavy security, media attention, and testimonies, including remarks from Sobhi’s supporters and defense counsel. The case is part of broader scrutiny of educational fraud linked to public figures, with future proceedings awaited.

Houssam Aouar Al-Ittihad interview with Benzema influence
Saudi Pro League

French Flair, Saudi Echoes: How Aouar Found His Rhythm with Al-Ittihad

Houssam Aouar explains that working under Sergio Conceicao is demanding but rewarding. He recalls his move from AS Roma to Al-Ittihad, aided by Karim Benzema’s encouragement. He describes a French-speaking welcome in Jeddah, the coach’s tough regime, and a season packed with challenges ahead. The piece also highlights his versatile role, his impact on the team’s tempo, and his high hopes for the future in Asia and Africa.

Moroccan player Salah Din Mesdaq in a contract dispute with Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League
Egyptian Premier League

Fresh Crisis at Zamalek: Salah Din Mesdaq Faces Unilateral Exit and FIFA Involvement

A brewing crisis envelops Zamalek as Salah Din Mesdaq contemplates unilateral contract termination with FIFA looming. A trusted source cites delayed payments and a lack of communication from club officials as core issues. The dispute extends beyond wages, touching on respect within the club’s football operations. The situation threatens a potential free transfer and significant financial consequences for the team.

Hussein El Shahat returns to training as Al Ahly ready for CAF CL clash with Royal Army
CAF Champions League

Shahat’s Comeback and Eight-Dman Absences: Al Ahly’s CAF CL Journey Tightens

Al Ahly confirms Hussein El Shahat will rejoin group training gradually tomorrow, but he won’t join the trip to Morocco for the CAF Champions League clash with the Royal Army. The club also updates injury and suspension concerns, revealing eight players unavailable for the match. Mohamed Shenaoui is undergoing rehabilitation and will miss the trip, while Mustafa El-Ash leaves hospital after observation. A 4-1 win over Shabab Al-Kabylie in Cairo provides momentum ahead of the group-stage fixture.

Jamie Vardy villa robbery in Salò, Italy
Serie A

Jamie Vardy's Italian Break: A Lake Garda Heist and a Fresh Start in Serie A

Jamie Vardy faced a dramatic night at his Lake Garda villa in Salò, Italy, as burglars struck during his transition to Cremonese in Serie A. The theft involved watches and valuables valued around £80,000, shaking the football star and his family. The move to Cremonese marks a new chapter after his Leicester City years, underscored by a remarkable career rise from non-league to Premier League legend. This piece traces the incident, Vardy's life in Italy, and the arc of his extraordinary journey, with a couple of light punchlines to end on a lighter note.