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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.

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2026 sacking image
El Clasico

Not Fair, Not Final: Alonso Refuses Real Madrid Exit

A new report from The Athletic presents a different take on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid, suggesting he did not agree with the decision. Alonso was reportedly analyzing the loss to Barcelona with his staff when he was abruptly summoned to a training-ground meeting and told of his dismissal. This narrative challenges earlier claims, including those from AS, which said Alonso requested to leave and resigned. The piece adds that the club’s crisis ran deeper than the Clasico, centered on locker-room tensions. Real Madrid then moved to install Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach to restore discipline after a painful 2-3 final against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Xabi Alonso coaching news 2026 three clubs eye him
transfers

Alonso on the radar of three European giants after Real Madrid exit

Xabi Alonso, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, has drawn interest from three major European clubs. A restarted coaching career is on the table, with his success at Leverkusen keeping him in sight. While a Spain-based move is unlikely this season, teams across Europe are weighing options. The futures of key managers are debated, and Tottenham and Manchester United are also mentioned as potential targets, albeit with instability on the bench.

Walid Al-Faraj Ronaldo apology live video in Jeddah
SuperCup

Live, Laugh, Ronaldo? Walid Al-Faraj’s On-Air Correction Sparks Soccer Night in Jeddah

Saudi sports host Walid Al-Faraj issues a live on-air apology for a Ronaldo-related misstatement. He clarifies that Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to attend the Spanish Super Cup final. Analyst Hani Al-Dawood playfully nudges him to say sorry, and Al-Faraj complies. The night also features Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Real Madrid in Jeddah and Al-Hilal’s 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr in the Roshen Saudi Pro League. The piece notes Ronaldo’s rumored itinerary and the evening’s official results.

Joao Cancelo Barcelona loan photo Getty Images
transfers

Cancelo Returns to Barcelona on Loan: A Spark for Camp Nou with Long-Term Questions

Joao Cancelo makes a joyful return to Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal until season’s end. He describes Barca as the club that excites him most to play for and expresses hope to help them win more trophies. The move comes with questions about his future beyond the loan, given his contract with Al Hilal. Barcelona emphasizes the fresh energy he brings, while Cancelo recalls a lifelong connection to the club and his admiration for its playing style. The piece also touches on his football journey from Benfica to Valencia and Manchester City.

Real Madrid Alonso era locker room five backers three dissenters
La Liga

Inside Real Madrid's Alonso Era: Five Backers, Three Skeptics, and a Locker Room Reckoning

New reports reveal a clear split in Real Madrid’s locker room during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, contributing to a crisis that ended his brief spell. The Athletic identifies two camps inside the squad, with five players backing Alonso and four uneasy allies. A third group privately doubted the coach, fueling tensions. The piece also notes a controversial attempt to impose a fitness regime, underscoring broader friction.

Real Madrid’s new chapter with Arbeloa: not Zidane or Ancelotti
La Liga

Reality Check: Arbeloa Won’t Rewind Real Madrid’s Zidane/Ancelotti Era

An emotional upheaval surrounds Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso exits and Álvaro Arbeloa steps in. The piece argues that Arbeloa cannot replicate the Zidane/Ancelotti golden era and explains why the club’s balance and circumstances have shifted. Historic Galactico ambitions collide with new realities, including tougher domestic and European competition. The article closes with a light, snarky note to keep spirits up while acknowledging a challenging season ahead.

Al Hilal targets Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat from Al Qadisiyah in winter transfer
transfers

Al Hilal targets a rival star’s brother in a bold winter move

Al Hilal presses its winter recruitment push, scouting Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, the right-back brother of Al Ahli’s star. The club has already announced Pablo Mari and Sultan Mundesh and is nearing a deal for Murad Hosawi. Talks with Al Qadisiyah to sign Abu Al-Shamat follow Joao Cancelo’s loan departure to Barcelona, signaling a need for options at right-back. Abu Al-Shamat is a standout in the Saudi league, having appeared 16 times and contributed three assists. The potential move would reunite him with his brother Saleh, who previously played for Qadisiyah before moving to Al Khaleej and then Al Hilal.

Aït Nouri back in City squad with Haaland leading the attack against Newcastle United
EFL Cup

Aït Nouri Returns to City Fold as Haaland Headlines Attack Against Newcastle

Aït Nouri returns to Manchester City's squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United at Saint James' Park. Pep Guardiola experiments with a mix of youngsters and fringe players, with Erling Haaland spearheading the attack. Gianluigi Donnarumma is listed among City's substitutes, while James Trafford starts in goal. The second leg will decide who advances, with the return at the Etihad on February 4.

Jude Bellingham Instagram farewell to Xabi Alonso Real Madrid
transfer

Bellingham Breaks Silence: Farewell to Alonso as Real Madrid Begins a New Era

Jude Bellingham has spoken out after Real Madrid's decision to part ways with coach Xabi Alonso. Madrid announced Alonso's exit and appointed Álvaro Arbeloa in the interim. The England midfielder posted a brief Instagram tribute, wishing Alonso well. Real Madrid also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and now prepares for a Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Albacete under the new leadership.

Getty Images Haaland Semenyo Golden Boot joke Manchester City
transfer

Haaland's Golden Boot Banter Sparks Banter as Semenyo Makes City Debut

Manchester City welcome Antoine Semenyo in the winter window and share a playful moment between him and Erling Haaland. Semenyo's first appearance for City includes a goal and an assist in the FA Cup rout of Exeter. City posted a video of Semenyo meeting teammates, including Haaland, who teased him about the Golden Boot. Haaland remains the league's top scorer while Semenyo sits among the leaders, as City prepare for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Djokovic in Melbourne ahead of a 25th Grand Slam photo
AustralianOpen

Djokovic’s Melbourne Quest: Chasing 25th Grand Slam Amid 1000 Weeks on Top

Novak Djokovic arrives in Melbourne for the Australian Open, chasing a 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian icon shares a poignant moment at Rod Laver Arena before his first practice. He hasn’t played a competitive match since his Athens win last November and skipped Adelaide to focus on training. All eyes will be on the crowd’s reception after last year’s semi-final exit, while Marca notes his 1000 weeks in the top 40.

Egyptian FA president thanks Agadir fans for warm hospitality
AFCON

Egyptian Football Chief Thanks Agadir Fans for a Heartfelt AFCON Welcome

Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abourida expresses gratitude to the people of Agadir for their warm hospitality toward the Egyptian team and fans during Africa Cup of Nations. He sends a formal thank you to Fouzi Lekjaa and the Agadir governor, praising the sense of belonging and excellent organization. The team stayed in Agadir through the semifinals before moving to Tangier, with players noting they felt at home. Abourida hopes Morocco will host the 2030 World Cup and praises the tournament's hospitality and spirit of brotherhood.

Algerian commentator Hafid Daraji warns refereeing could spoil the remainder of AFCON in Morocco.
AFCON

Referee Worries Loom Over AFCON as Hafid Daraji Stands Firm

Algerian commentator Hafid Daraji warns that officiating may spoil the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He notes several potential final matchups and emphasizes that refereeing standards could overshadow the tournament if officials falter. Daraji has long criticized officiating and ticketing issues, linking referee decisions to Algeria’s quarterfinal exit. He also praises Nigeria while urging resilience for a potential World Cup 2026, underscoring that a fair spectacle matters as much as the sport itself.