In a dramatic and emotional news conference on Sunday, Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti announced that he would be leaving his role following the team’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier. The 66-year-old revealed that Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina informed him of his dismissal after the disappointing result in Oslo. Despite the news, Spalletti confirmed he would still take charge of Monday’s qualifier…

Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or debate, suggesting that the prestigious award should go to a player who has helped their team win the UEFA Champions League. Speaking at a press conference in Munich ahead of the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, the 40-year-old star emphasised the importance of team success in deciding individual honours. “In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a…

Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has been handed a two-match suspension after concealing an anti-homophobia message on his sleeve during a Ligue 1 fixture. The 36-year-old Serbian veteran was seen covering the rainbow-coloured emblem with tape in Lyon’s 2-0 win over Angers on 17 May, in an act that has drawn widespread criticism. The emblem is part of Ligue 1’s annual anti-homophobia campaign, now in its fifth year. The initiative includes…

Crystal Palace may have to wait until the end of June to learn if they can compete in the 2025-26 Europa League, with UEFA deliberating over a potential conflict of interest involving multi-club ownership. The uncertainty stems from Palace’s connection to Eagle Football Holdings, which also controls French side Lyon. Club representatives, including co-owner Steve Parish, travelled to UEFA headquarters in Switzerland earlier this week to present their case. Palace…

Just 16 days after delivering Tottenham Hotspur their first major trophy in 17 years, Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by the club. The shock decision comes on the two-year anniversary of the Australian’s appointment, which began with optimism and ended in division despite European glory. Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao was supposed to be a turning point—a statement of progress. Instead, it…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with Russia in a spirited international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Russia went ahead in the first half after a defensive miscue saw Nigerian centre-back Semi Ajayi inadvertently score an own goal. Russia hosted the Super Eagles on Friday evening, marking the first senior-level encounter between the two countries. Though a friendly on paper, the match shaped up…

Russia is set to host Nigeria on Friday evening at the historic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, marking the first senior-level encounter between the two countries. Though a friendly on paper, the match is shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter for both sides, navigating very different footballing landscapes. For Russia, the fixture serves as part of their ongoing efforts to stay active on the international scene amid a ban from…

In one of the most electrifying matches in UEFA Nations League history, Spain booked their place in the final after surviving a stunning second-half comeback to defeat France 5-4 in Stuttgart on Thursday night. The clash at MHPArena will be remembered for its breathtaking goals, relentless pace, and an ending that nearly defied belief. Spain came out of the blocks with precision and purpose, taking a commanding 2-0 lead into…

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken yet another barrier – this time, a psychological one. In a high-stakes Nations League semi-final clash in Munich, the 40-year-old netted the winner to finally end his hoodoo against Germany, a nation that had dealt him five straight defeats in past meetings. The goal was Ronaldo’s 137th international strike in 220 appearances – both men’s world records – and marked his 937th career goal overall, keeping…

Chelsea have won the race to sign highly-rated England Under-21 striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30m deal, beating off stiff competition from several Premier League rivals including Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Delap, 22, was one of the most sought-after young strikers on the market following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, which triggered a £30m release clause in his contract. Though Manchester City had…

Two of the most electrifying talents in world football, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, are set to face off in the Nations League semi-final, as Spain takes on France in Stuttgart on Thursday night. While a place in the final against Portugal is the prize, all eyes will also be on the personal duel between the two men leading the charge for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Both players have just…

In a highly anticipated friendly match held on Tuesday night at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a confident 2-0 victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses. The win was propelled by a commanding first-half performance from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored both goals, reinforcing Nigeria’s dominance in West African women’s football. From the opening whistle, the Super Falcons took control of the game, demonstrating technical skill,…