Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Matchs du Jour

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup 2026 knockout drought
World Cup 2026

Ronaldo's Quest to Break a 20-Year World Cup Curse

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, chases a two-decade World Cup mystery despite an extraordinary scoring record. His career spans top clubs and the Portugal national team, yet his World Cup knockout goals remain elusive. With World Cup 2026 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Portugal faces a format that could finally unlock Ronaldo’s knockout potential. This piece explores the stats, the group stage puzzle, and the path to redemption.

Real Madrid training before the Champions League clash with Manchester City, Mbappe question marks linger
Champions League

Mbappe’s Uncertain Return Looms as Real Madrid Trains Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Real Madrid held their final training session ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Manchester City. Seven players missed the group drills, including Mbappe and Rodrygo, with Mbappe training solo and not touching the ball yet. Alvaro Carreras’ calf injury adds to Madrid’s concerns, while Mbappe’s absence could extend to the first leg but may allow a late comeback in Manchester. The clash at the Bernabeu tomorrow sets the stage for a high-tension tie with the return at Etihad looming on March 17. Madrid will be hoping for a miracle, but for now the ball isn’t listening to the plan.

Getty Images Paul Scholes Michael Carrick controversy Manchester United
Premier League

Scholes Breaks Silence: Not Aimed at Offending Carrick After Controversial Post

Paul Scholes, Manchester United legend, insists he did not mean to insult Michael Carrick after a controversial post. ESPN reported the exchange following United's 2-1 loss to Newcastle. United remain third in the Premier League, pushing for a Champions League berth. Scholes spoke on the GoodBadFootball podcast and reached out to Carrick to clarify. Patrice Evra criticized punditry negativity amid the broader debate.

Infantino World Cup 2026 North America press conference
World Cup 2026

When the World Cup Goes North America: Infantino’s Vision for 2026’s Global Football Carnival

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, will be extraordinary. He highlights record ticket demand, a 48-team format across 16 cities, and a global celebration that transcends football. He also stresses a zero-tolerance stance on racism and the need for cultural change. Spain appears among the frontrunners alongside other strong contenders as the tournament approaches.

FIFA Club World Cup 2029 Infantino interview
FIFA Club World Cup

Infantino hints at a bold, global future for the Club World Cup in 2029

FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared fresh thoughts on the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup in a recent interview. He praised the 2025 edition held in the United States as a milestone and stressed the importance of listening to all stakeholders to build something that serves football. He discussed potential formats, including a larger field of teams, and hinted that a host city or country may be decided after the next World Cup. The interview also touched on his personal football memories and icons, underscoring football’s global appeal.

Barcelona president Laporta blasts referees, discusses Super League, and hints at Flick over Guardiola
liga

Laporta’s sharp take: refereeing bias, debt under control, and a Flick era in sight

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticizes La Liga refereeing as biased against his club. He updates on Barca’s finances, noting debt reduced by about €200 million and renewed contracts for key players. He revisits the European Super League project and Deco’s strategic role, while weighing Messi’s legacy and the Flick vs Guardiola discourse. The interview blends sport, finance, and future plans with a touch of humor.

West Ham vs Brentford FA Cup quarterfinal: Ouattara Panenka miss captures headlines
FA Cup

Panenka Pride, Penalty Pain: West Ham Edge Brentford in a Dramatic FA Cup Shootout

West Ham United reached the FA Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brentford, finally winning in the penalties. Dango Ouattara’s Panenka miss became the defining moment, echoing painful memories from Morocco’s Diaz. Brentford’s late jitters and West Ham’s resilience kept the tension high until the shootout concluded. Analysts debated the risk-taking versus execution in key moments, while coaches defended choices that sparked debate. A night of football theatre with a bittersweet lesson: audacity isn’t always rewarded.

Laporta responds to Messi controversy during Barcelona’s election
election

Laporta’s Bold Rebuttal: Not Scared of Messi, But This Feud Has Hit a New Low

Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed heated topics during a radio interview about the club’s presidential race, Messi rumors, and the Negreira case. He claimed he isn’t afraid of Messi and accused rival Victor Font of weaponizing a club legend. Laporta argued that Barcelona’s actions regarding the Negreira matter were lawful and criticized Real Madrid for a personal, arguably defamatory, campaign. The piece also highlights tensions with Madrid and the broader political dynamics surrounding Barca’s leadership bid.

Hansi Flick trains Barca’s academy players to cover injuries ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
Champions League

Flick’s Shadow Squad: Barca’s Rising Stars Ready to Step Up Against Newcastle

Hansi Flick has mapped a plan to groom Barca’s academy players as backups for a high-stakes Champions League tie with Newcastle United. He has been vigilant in coaching the next generation to cover injuries and maintain squad depth. Espart and Cortés, two La Masia products, are at the center of this preparation, with Flick publicly praising their development. The match represents a major opportunity for these youngsters to prove their readiness on a European stage.

Julian Brandt transfer Barcelona Arsenal Dortmund
transfer

Barça and Arsenal Duel for Dortmund's Rising Star

Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly chasing Julian Brandt from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the summer market. The German midfielder has spent seven years at Dortmund and is weighing a move outside Germany. No concrete talks have yet taken place, though interest has been shown, including two inquiries in January that Brandt declined. Spain, Italy, and England are on the shortlist, with Barça and Arsenal leading the race. Brandt can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing.

A memoir-like journey through Algeria’s World Cup saga—from 1982’s Gijón drama to 2014’s Bab El Oued café, and beyond—honoring resilience and national pride.
World Cup

From Gijón to Porto Alegre: Algeria’s World Cup Odyssey That Refused to Die

An eyewitness recounts Algeria’s winding World Cup saga—from a dramatic 1982 rise in Gijón to a revival in 2010 and the heartbreak of 2018, 2022, and beyond. The piece threads personal memory with pivotal matches, rivalries, and the stubborn hope that keeps a nation dreaming. Across stadiums and cafés, the story honors resilience, courage, and the stubborn belief that history can bend before a ball. It’s a memoir of battles won with spirit, not just goals.

Newcastle United vs Barcelona Champions League 2025/26 at St James' Park
Champions League

Newcastle’s Paradox: Barca Left Guessing in a High-Stakes Clash

Newcastle United entertain Barcelona with a striking contrast: European brilliance amid domestic wobbles. After a 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, they still boast a robust European run and a path through qualification. Barcelona must navigate a team whose European momentum clashes with uneven league form. The preview highlights Newcastle’s playoff triumph, a long unbeaten European streak, and the domestic hiccups that keep the drama alive. Look ahead to a high-tension first leg at St James’ Park.

Guardiola Barcelona memories at the Bernabéu Champions League night
Champions League

Barcelona Echoes at the Bernabéu: Guardiola's Night of Memories

Pep Guardiola heads to the Bernabéu for a pivotal Champions League first leg against Real Madrid. The teams have traded blows recently, each claiming two wins and two draws in their last six. Last season's exit fuels this clash with a shared pursuit of second place in domestics and glory in Europe. Opta highlights add a Barcelona-era twist to the night, as Guardiola chases milestones and Madrid aims to extend its home dominance.

Newcastle United vs Barcelona at St James' Park in the UEFA Champions League
Champions League

St James' Park Showdown: Can Newcastle Stun Barcelona in the Champions League?

Newcastle United host Barcelona at St James' Park in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg. The teams previously met in the group stage, producing a 2-1 Barca win and a dramatic late Newcastle reply. Barca has a solid European pedigree against English clubs, while Newcastle chase a landmark European run. Key attackers Rashford and Lewandowski headline a game that could swing the tie, with López lurking as a match-winner.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Champions League knockout stage overview
Champions League

Unfinished Business: Real Madrid and Manchester City Ready to Settle Scores in Champions League Showdown

Real Madrid and Manchester City prepare for a fresh Champions League knockout duel, fueled by memories of last season. They collide for the 16th time in the competition, with both chasing glory and revenge on the big stage. City seek to overturn past heartbreak and Madrid aim to extend their European dominance. Opta’s numbers sketch a tactical, high-stakes duel between two of Europe’s elite.