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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.

Mahrez's last-minute winner against DR Congo in AFCON 2025
Africa Cup of Nations

Last-Minute Dynamo: Mahrez Imitates Ronaldo to Lift Algeria Past DR Congo in AFCON Thriller

Riyad Mahrez sparked a dramatic come-from-behind win for Algeria against DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Desert Foxes advanced to a quarterfinal clash with Nigeria thanks to a stoppage-time winner. Mahrez played most of the match, then handed leadership to a teammate as substitutions reshaped the game. A Ronaldo-inspired bench moment and a decisive late strike sealed Algeria’s progress in a scene fans will remember.

Aïssa Mandi anchors Algeria's defense in AFCON 2025
AFCON 2025

Unyielding Walls: Algeria's Defender Becomes Africa's Impenetrable Fortress

Algeria secure a 1-0 win over DR Congo in AFCON 2025 round of 16, powered by a tenacious defense led by veteran Aïssa Mandi. Sofascore highlights Mandi as the only Algerian defender to play every match so far without being dribbled past. Algeria finished top of their group with nine points, setting up a heavyweight quarterfinal against Nigeria. The winner will then face either Morocco or Cameroon in the semifinals. A touch of humor follows as the wall tightens further.

Marcus Leonardo Flamengo Al Hilal transfer rumors 2026
Transfers

Rumor-Blocked: Flamengo pushes back on Marcus Leonardo transfer links

Flamengo has dismissed reports linking Marcus Leonardo to a move from Al Hilal during the current winter window. The Brazilian forward remains pivotal for Hilal as injuries affect the team. Flamengo reportedly has no official interest and is pursuing other transfer options. Leonardo scored for Hilal against Damac, highlighting his ongoing impact. The piece also notes a Saudi Pro League clash between Hilal and Al-Hazm.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia
supercopa

Barça's Spanish Super Cup Quest: Bilbao Stands in the Way as Madrid Duel Looms

Barcelona arrives at the Spanish Super Cup as defending champions and the competition's most decorated side. They face Athletic Bilbao in the Saudi-hosted semi-final, with the final set to pit the winner against Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid. The event is broadcast exclusively through the Eight app. Opta confirms Barça's record with 15 titles and highlights the current format's dynamics, while the squads promise a high-stakes, high-quality clash. Expect a game that blends experience and youth with a touch of spectacle.

Barcelona eye Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal in the winter window; Deco says the deal is near, with a medicals pause until final approvals.
Transfer Window

Barcelona Close to Signing Cancelo: Deco Signals a Winter Shock Move

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco suggests Joao Cancelo is nearing a move from Al-Hilal to the Catalan club during the winter window. Inter Milan and Barcelona are vying for the Portuguese full-back, who hasn’t undergone medicals yet. The 31-year-old previously played for Barca on loan in 2023-24 before joining Al-Hilal in 2024. If completed, it would mark a high-profile return for Cancelo to a club he already knows well.

Saudi Super Cup arbitration Al-Ahli Hilal Getty Images
Saudi Super Cup

Saudi Super Cup Decision: Al-Ahli Clinches the Title as Sanctions Hit Al-Hilal

The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center upheld Al-Ahli as champions of the latest Saudi Super Cup edition while confirming penalties on Al-Hilal. The ruling reverses earlier recommendations and imposes fines and bans. Hilal faces exclusion from the next edition and financial penalties, with the federation also affected. This decision seals the outcome and leaves little room for appeal, except perhaps for a good joke in the locker room.

Algeria coach Petkovic praising team cohesion after AFCON 2025 win over DR Congo
AFCON 2025

Algeria’s Firm Win Sets Up Fiery Nigeria Showdown

Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic praised his team’s collective display after a tense 1-0 win over DR Congo in AFCON 2025. He highlighted discipline, organization, and control of the game, and outlined why Amoura started as the central striker. The Greens now shift focus to a high-stakes clash with Nigeria, aiming to impose their style and press high. Fitness updates and squad depth underline Algeria’s readiness for the knockout rounds, with a few jokes to keep spirits light.

PSG coach Luis Enrique jokes about ChatGPT before the 2026 French Super Cup in Kuwait
French Super Cup

PSG masterclass or a chatbot prophecy? Enrique jokes as PSG edge Marseille in Kuwait

Luis Enrique teased reporters about ChatGPT ahead of the French Super Cup final in Kuwait. He joked that the AI should have been asked last season who would win the Champions League, hinting PSG’s rise has been anything but scripted. The coach emphasized the classic duel with Marseille as a strong motivator and a chance to claim another trophy, underscoring PSG’s aggressive, controlled approach. The piece notes PSG’s trophy haul under Enrique across two seasons, including European honors. A light mood peppered a serious pursuit of glory, with two punchlines to end on a smile.

Xabi Alonso leads Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final
Supercopa

Alonso’s Bold Warning: Real Madrid Won’t Revisit the 5-2 Debacle Against Atlético

Xabi Alonso leads Real Madrid into a high-stakes Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid. The tie, broadcast exclusively on the Thmanyah app, pits the two Madrid giants against each other with a season-defining edge. After a heavy 2-5 Derby defeat, Madrid seeks revenge and prestige, while Mbappé’s injury casts a shadow over the squad. Alonso emphasizes collective pressing and a higher-level performance to advance to the final. Vinícius Júnior is urged to keep the pressure up, as the team gears up for a fierce showdown.

Barcelona eyeing Espanyol left-back Carlos Romero in transfer drama
transfer

Barcelona sparks Catalan derby drama by targeting Espanyol’s Romero

Barcelona reportedly has a fresh transfer target that could intensify the Catalan derby with Espanyol. The move follows a controversial past acquisition that strained relations between the clubs. AS reports that Carlos Romero, Espanyol’s left-back, impressed against Lamin Yamal and has drawn Barça’s eye. If Barça acts before Espanyol, fan tensions could flare even more. The mercato saga promises more twists than a soap opera in two acts.

Al Hilal ready for Al Hazm as Inzaghi addresses Cancelo and bench options
SaudiProLeague

Inzaghi Shielding Cancelo: Al Hilal Ready, Bench Trio Under Watch

Simone Inzaghi declares Al Hilal prepared for the Al Hazm test in Round 14 of the Saudi Pro League. He highlights a tough, improving opponent and the need to collect points at home after two away games. The coach clarifies Cancelo is not available for the matchup and that the club will address the defensive concerns, while stressing that several squad players remain under his watch. Rumors of transfers and Barcelona links are noted but not confirmed, as management handles negotiations.

Simeone laughing at the press conference about Saudi hosting the 2034 World Cup
Saudi Super Cup

Simeone's Controversial Laugh: Was He Mocking Saudi Arabia or Just Answering in English?

Diego Simeone sparked a debate at Atletico Madrid's press conference ahead of the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Real Madrid. Asked about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, he answered 'Yes' and smiled in a way that many took as a dig. Supporters said the reaction came from the language of the question, not the Kingdom. The coach also praised Saudi hospitality, highlighting the broader conversation around hosting big tournaments in the region. The piece covers the event, the broadcast on Thmanyah, and watch details.

Simone Inzaghi stays with Al Hilal amid Manchester United interest
Saudi Pro League

Inzaghi Chooses The Long Game: Keeping Al Hilal Over Manchester United

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi reportedly declined Manchester United to continue his rebuilding project with Al Hilal. United had shown interest after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, but Inzaghi preferred stability and progress with the Saudi giants. The decision keeps Al Hilal on track for strong domestic results and possible continental ambitions. The saga underscores the Saudi Pro League’s growing pull for elite coaches and players alike.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Spanish Super Cup semi-final image
Spanish Super Cup

Flick Makes a Bold Call: Yamal Benched as Barca Chase Spanish Super Cup Glory

Barcelona manager Hans Flick is reportedly prepping a surprise lineup for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. Lamine Yamal appears set to start on the bench to protect him amid a crowded schedule. Flick aims to maximize squad readiness by rotating defenders and balancing intensity with fitness. The plan is to reach the final with as many fit players as possible, while keeping health as a priority.

Nigeria’s players strike ahead of AFCON quarterfinal against Algeria in Morocco 2025, as tensions rise around prize money.
AFCON

Strike Storm at AFCON: Nigeria's Demonstration of Tension Ahead of Algeria Showdown

Nigeria’s campaign in AFCON 2025 faces a fresh hurdle as players threaten to strike over prize money. After a public on-field clash between Osimhen and Lookman, a journalist reveals a growing crisis. Players may skip training and avoid traveling to Marrakech for the Algeria quarterfinal, potentially boosting Algeria’s chances. The situation could shake up the clash in Morocco, adding a new layer of drama to the tournament.