World Soccer news

• Xabi Alonso dismissal would not affect planned exit for Real Madrid star

  14-12-2025 00:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  Xabi Alonso dismissal would not affect planned exit for Real Madrid starReal Madrid could sack Xabi Alonso as early as next week, amid concerns over the club’s poor start to the 2025-26 season. The former Galactico has struggled to get the best out of his players since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, which is why he could be relieved of his duties if Los Blancos were to be defeated in any of their three matches before the winter break.This could be good news for a number of p
  
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• Gary Neville makes title race prediction as Manchester City pose familiar threat to Arsenal

  17-12-2025 10:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  Gary Neville makes title race prediction as Manchester City pose familiar threat to ArsenalManchester United legend and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has issued his latest verdict on a hotly-contested title race between Manchester City and Arsenal.The conclusion of matchday 16 of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign saw Manchester City secure a hard-fought 3-0 win against Crystal Palace to keep up the pressure on table toppers Arsenal, who scraped past against Wolverhampton Wanderers.The
  
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• Newcastle's 'Jekyll and Hyde' home and away form

  17-12-2025 10:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  [BBC]Newcastle's League Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Wednesday provides a welcome return to St James' Park for the club's players and supporters alike.The Magpies' contrasting form at home and on the road has been of the Jekyll and Hyde variety this season.They have won just twice away in 11 attempts this season, most recently losing the derby at Sunderland on Sunday.Such a torrid record jars entirely with how Eddie Howe's side have played at home in 2025-26, winning nine of 13 matches, i
  
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• Mastantuono, Endrick start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against CF Talavera

  17-12-2025 10:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mastantuono, Endrick start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against CF TalaveraReal Madrid begin their Copa del Rey journey for the season tonight when they take on RFEF Primera Division side CF Talavera away from home.Having managed to secure temporary relief from pressure with a victory over Deportivo Alaves in La Liga over the weekend, Xabi Alonso will be eager to get off to a winning start on his Copa del Rey debut.After all, a misstep against a third-division club could end up
  
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• Man City issue update on outcome of hearing into Premier League financial charges

  17-12-2025 10:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  Manchester City are still awaiting the verdict of an independent hearing after the club were charged with more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules in February 2023. An update issued in City’s annual report stated that the Premier League’s independent commission is “still in the process of reviewing the matter” more than a year on since the hearing concluded.City welcomed the review when they were first charged in February 2023 and say there is
  
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• Today’s Papers: Inter blow, Gasp attack, Mainoo calls Conte

  17-12-2025 10:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  Today’s Papers: Inter blow, Gasp attack, Mainoo calls ConteLa Gazzetta dello SportInter exchange blows Dumfries out for at least two monthsThe Dutchman has an operation on his ankle. Luis Henrique hasn’t convinced, the club are on Norton-CuffyYildiz + Conceicao: Creativity wins at Juventus Spalletti’s key playersMancini the ‘bad guy’ that everyone wants The Roma defenderSupercoppa of phenomena The Napoli-Milan semi-final tomorrowMcTominay and Pul
  
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• Three takeaways from CD Guadalajara 0-2 Barcelona

  17-12-2025 10:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Three takeaways from CD Guadalajara 0-2 BarcelonaBarcelona survived the eternally nerve-wracking Copa del Rey curtain raiser on Tuesday night as they defeated CD Guadalajara 2-0 in a tricky away fixture.The game was held at the Estadio Pedro Escartin which had a capacity of just a few thousand fans, but the atmosphere inside was daunting with the crowd relentlessly cheering for their side to pull off an upset.It took Barcelona a long time to even find the opener, but after over an hour of patien
  
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• Gabbidon lauds 'magnificent' Lawlor's attitude

  17-12-2025 09:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Danny Gabbidon has lauded Dylan Lawlor over the centre-back's response to gifting Chelsea a goal during Cardiff City's 3-1 EFL Cup loss to the Blues on Tuesday.Wales international Lawlor handed the Premier League side possession cheaply, leading to Alejandro Garnacho striking the opener for the visitors at Cardiff City Stadium in the quarter-final contest.David Turnbull equalised for Brian Barry-Murphy's men only for late goals from Pedro Neto and Garnacho saw Chelsea p
  
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• One Manchester City player must make an impact against Brentford tonight

  17-12-2025 09:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  One Manchester City player must make an impact against Brentford tonightThere is an opportunity for a host of the squad players at Manchester City to make an impression tonight. City take on Brentford at the Etihad in the quarter-final stage of the Carabao Cup. One of those players who needs to put in a good performance tonight is Oscar Bobb. The young winger has barely featured for City of late and you do sense that he needs to make an impact tonight for his own confidence.Oscar Bobb has been o
  
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• Spurs star names Liverpool attacker as his toughest opponent to date

  17-12-2025 09:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  Spurs star names Liverpool attacker as his toughest opponent to dateMicky van de Ven hails Alexander Isak as toughest Premier League opponent ahead of Liverpool clashLiverpool’s late kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday arrives at an intriguing moment for both clubs. Arne Slot’s side are beginning to stabilise after a testing opening stretch, while Spurs are searching for consistency after sliding into the lower reaches of the top half. Against that backdrop, comments fro
  
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• Liverpool have signed the BEST forward in the Premier League

  17-12-2025 09:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  Liverpool have signed the BEST forward in the Premier LeagueLiverpool completed £450m worth of transfer spending last summer. The Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes was intent on upgrading the Arne Slot’s Premier League title-winning squad. In came the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike.And the Anfield club were also content to conclude not one but TWO British record transfers. Firstly, Florian Wirtz was acquired f
  
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• PSG predicted XI v Flamengo: Désiré Doué to start, Ousmane Dembélé benched

  17-12-2025 09:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  PSG predicted XI v Flamengo: Désiré Doué to start, Ousmane Dembélé benchedPSG face Flamengo this Wednesday at Doha’s Al-Rayyan stadium for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. The Champions League winners have the opportunity to win a sixth different trophy this calendar year against Filipe Luis’ Brazilian team, who defeated Egypt’s Pyramids FC last week in the playoff round.PSG could become the first French team to win the Intercontinental Cu
  
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• 'Kobbie is going to get more of the backlash'

  17-12-2025 09:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  [Getty Images]Former Manchester United defender Reece Brown believes Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother being pictured wearing a "free Kobbie Mainoo" T-shirt at Old Trafford during the game against Bournemouth may lead to the midfielder getting "more of the backlash". "I don't agree with it," Brown this week's edition of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast. "That applies so much pressure back to Kobbie as well.""It's a shame [Mainoo's situation at the club] because he's such a talent.
  
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• 'Football has given me everything and I gave it my all'

  17-12-2025 09:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year later this week. The 48-year-old, widely considered to be one of the Premier League's greatest players, is being recognised for a career that left an indelible mark on Arsenal, English football and the global game.Henry, who retired in 2014, will receive the award live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer."Football has given me everything and I gave it my all," sai
  
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• Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year revealed

  17-12-2025 09:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  Thierry Henry will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Arsenal’s record scorer, Henry is considered one of the greatest Premier League players of all time and won four Golden Boot awards in six seasons while lifting two titles with the Gunners, as well as three FA Cups. The France forward, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with his country, became of the most popular foreign players to make a mark on the English game through hi
  
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• Rangers track Ekwah but not keen to sell Gassama - gossip

  17-12-2025 09:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  [BBC]Rangers and Udinese are among clubs monitoring midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who is in a dispute with Saint-Etienne after refusing to accept a summer move to the relegated French club after they triggered a loan purchase option from Sunderland for the 23-year-old. (Foot Mercato)But Rangers have no interest in entertaining a sale for Djeidi Gassama, the 22-year-old winger subject to interest from Villarreal, in January under any circumstances. (Football Insider)January could be Rangers' last oppo
  
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• The complex scenario that could still bring Julian Alvarez to Barcelona

  17-12-2025 09:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  The complex scenario that could still bring Julian Alvarez to BarcelonaBarcelona’s interest in Julian Alvarez is neither new nor impulsive. Inside the club, it is widely accepted that the current financial reality makes any immediate move impossible. Yet despite those limitations, Barça continue to keep the Atletico Madrid forward firmly on their long-term radar as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski in 2026.It is said that Alvarez fits the profile Barcelona are increas
  
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• Champions League permutations - what do Chelsea, Arsenal & Man Utd need?

  17-12-2025 09:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  [Getty Images]The Women's Champions League's inaugural league phase is set for a thrilling finale as teams battle to qualify for the knockout stage.Last year's beaten finalists Barcelona and eight-time winners Lyon are the frontrunners, occupying the top two places on 13 points.Women's Super League sides Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all secured at least a play-off place for the knockout stages, but a top-four finish for each of them is still up for grabs.Teams finishing first to f
  
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• Return to Bayern or stay at VfB? How Nübel sees his future

  17-12-2025 09:13 via sports.yahoo.com
  Return to Bayern or stay at VfB? How Nübel sees his futureDoes he have what it takes to succeed Neuer? During the duel against Bayern, Alexander Nübel was in the spotlight but couldn't promote himself. Instead of saves, there were blunders. Things went better during the 4-0 victory in Bremen. "I played a decent game, which is good for my confidence," said the VfB keeper to 'Bild'. In general, his focus is currently fully on the Stuttgart games. "I still have a nice second hal
  
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• Manchester United angry with Morocco for refusing to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth

  17-12-2025 09:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  Manchester United angry with Morocco for refusing to let Noussair Mazraoui play against BournemouthManchester United have been left angry by Morocco after they refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth on Monday. FIFA announced earlier this month that clubs need to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 15 December, instead of 14 days before the tournament. While Cameroon and Ivory Coast allowed Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to stay for Monday’s
  
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• Pep Guardiola is determined to see James Trafford remain at the club

  17-12-2025 09:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  Pep Guardiola is determined to see James Trafford remain at the clubIt would not be a major surprise to see James Trafford pursue a move away from Manchester City during the January transfer window. Trafford has become Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper ever since Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at the club. With a World Cup on the horizon, James Trafford will want to be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in the United States. To achieve that goal, Trafford needs to be
  
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• Sources: Liverpool ready to cut losses as Real Madrid see chance to sign Alonso’s trusted star

  17-12-2025 09:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Sources: Liverpool ready to cut losses as Real Madrid see chance to sign Alonso’s trusted starReal Madrid’s long-standing admiration for Florian Wirtz has reportedly resurfaced, and the timing is no coincidence. According to a recent report from Fichajes, the Spanish giants are once again monitoring the German playmaker’s situation, even though he only joined Liverpool last summer in a blockbuster deal valued at around €150 million.When Liverpool secured Wirtz’s
  
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• Manchester United enter Antoine Semenyo transfer chase as Manchester City update revealed

  17-12-2025 09:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Manchester United enter Antoine Semenyo transfer chase as Manchester City update revealedManchester City are being seen by some as the strongest contenders in the chase to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in 2026, a new report has revealed.The Bournemouth forward has become one of the most closely watched attacking players ahead of January, with City’s planning placing renewed emphasis on wide areas amid some doubts during the first-half of the campaign.Previous reports have sugges
  
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• Guadalajara veteran reflects on Barcelona loss and Pedri’s magic – ‘I’m a Real Madrid fan, but this kid is a genius’

  17-12-2025 09:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Guadalajara veteran reflects on Barcelona loss and Pedri’s magic – ‘I’m a Real Madrid fan, but this kid is a genius’CD Guadalajara’s Copa del Rey journey came to an end with a 0-2 defeat to FC Barcelona, but for Jorge Casado, the final whistle was met with pride rather than disappointment. The 36-year-old centre-back spoke candidly after the match, making it clear that his side walked off the pitch with their heads held high after competing bravely agains
  
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• Roma to go all-in on Joshua Zirkzee

  17-12-2025 08:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  Roma to go all-in on Joshua ZirkzeeRoma is preparing for a crucial period, with two key issues at stake: the pitch and the transfer market. The team has a crucial match against Juventus on Saturday, but attention is also focused on the transfer market, where Joshua Zirkzee remains the primary target. The Dutchman’s transfer is set to take place within two weeks, with one condition: if it doesn’t materialize within that timeframe, Roma will have to focus on other targets. Gasperini an
  
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• Fowler in his pomp - on this day in 1995

  17-12-2025 08:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  [Getty Images]This was the year when Frank Bruno finally became a boxing world champion, when Oasis let (What's The Story) Morning Glory? rip into our lives and when Pierce Brosnan had a first bash at being James Bond in Golden Eye.Michael Jackson's Earth Song was topping the charts, usurping Robson & Jerome, and Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise had left its musical mark weeks earlier.Curly Watts was marrying Raquel in Corrie, there were footballers serving bans for kicking fans and there were gr
  
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• Roma add Orlando’s Pasalic as Zirkzee alternative

  17-12-2025 08:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  Roma add Orlando’s Pasalic as Zirkzee alternativeThere’s one name that would make everyone happy at Trigoria: Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker has long been in Gasperini’s sights, having wanted him in Bergamo a couple of years ago. Manchester United is planning to sell him in mid-January, when the Africa Cup of Nations is drawing to a close and Diallo and Mbeumo will return. However, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked: the initial asking price is €50 million, a fig
  
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• Palestine boss tells Ali to accept Celtic offer - gossip

  17-12-2025 08:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  Palestine head coach Ihab Abu Jazar has told 26-year-old Columbus Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali to accept an offer to join Celtic in January and expects him to reject Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and Al Ahly in Egypt. (Herald - subscription required)Celtic, Club Brugge and Espanyol scouted 22-year-old midfielder Issa Doumbia in action for Venezia against Monza in Serie B on Saturday, while Southampton remain interested after having a £5.25m offer for the Italy Under-21 cap rejected this summer.
  
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• Newcastle United vs Fulham: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch

  17-12-2025 08:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  Newcastle United vs Fulham: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to WatchNewcastle vs Fulham Carabao Cup quarter-final previewNewcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup continues with a familiar advantage, another night under the lights at St James’ Park. For Eddie Howe, this competition has become a serious pursuit rather than a distraction, and a quarter-final against Fulham offers a clear route back to Wembley. Having ended decades of frustration by lifting the trophy last season,
  
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• Injury to keep Estevao out of Newcastle game

  17-12-2025 08:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  [Getty Images]Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says winger Estevao Willian has picked up a "small muscle problem".The 18-year-old was not in Chelsea's squad as they reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at League One Cardiff City.When asked about Estevao after the game, Maresca said: "[It's a] small muscle problem. He won't be available for Newcastle. We will see for the next one."Chelsea's next game is a trip to St James' Park on Saturday, followed by home matches against Aston
  
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