Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on a profoundly emotional pre-season, marked by the tragic passing of midfielder Jayden Adams, as the team prepares for a demanding 2026/27 campaign.

Jamie Carragher has voiced his surprise regarding Mohamed Salah's transfer to Trabzonspor, asserting that the Egyptian forward's talent warrants a more prominent European club. He drew comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's career trajectory.

Brazilian forward Kaua Elias, 20, delivered a standout performance for Shakhtar Donetsk, scoring a perfect hat-trick in the Ukraine Premier League, drawing significant attention from scouts representing Manchester United and Arsenal.

Young German talent Tom Bischof, who joined Bayern Munich for the 2025/26 season, demonstrated significant versatility by playing left-back, despite his long-term ambition to establish himself in central midfield.

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana believes the club's extended pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign will be pivotal for their pursuit of multiple trophies after a demanding previous season.

Charlton Athletic has announced that season tickets for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign are now available, inviting supporters to secure their place at The Valley.

Real Betis secured a notable 3-1 victory over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, handing the Gunners their first defeat of the summer preparations. The Spanish side showcased strong form ahead of their Champions League return.

Erling Haaland is leveraging advanced AI dubbing technology to connect with a broader international fanbase, significantly expanding his multilingual content presence on YouTube.

Arsenal Football Club has confirmed a long-term extension of its partnership with Emirates, securing a significant financial boost that will see the airline continue as a key sponsor until 2033.

Levski Sofia earned a vital 1-0 victory against Kairat Almaty in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round tie, positioning themselves favorably for advancement. The Bulgarian champions now carry a narrow lead into the decisive return fixture.

Mamelodi Sundowns have revealed their new 2026/27 away strip, featuring two stars above the club crest to commemorate their recent CAF Champions League triumph. The kit launch highlights the club's continued ambition following a significant continental victory.

Two of Europe's successful clubs from the previous season, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, are set to meet in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, marking a crucial step in their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Aston Villa's remarkable 2025/26 season culminated in a dual qualification for the UEFA Champions League, setting the stage for strategic squad decisions. The club now navigates the transfer market, with former captain Jack Grealish reportedly a key target to bolster their ranks.

Mamelodi Sundowns have officially launched their 2026/27 home kit, featuring a historic second star to commemorate their recent CAF Champions League triumph. The new design, a collaboration with Puma, draws inspiration from the club's rich heritage while marking a significant milestone.

Real Madrid has finalized the acquisition of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making the 19-year-old winger the most expensive player in the club's history. The deal, potentially worth €140 million, signals Madrid's strong intent to secure major silverware.

Manchester United has acknowledged making mistakes in its recent investigation into suspected ticket touting, a process that caused considerable distress among some loyal supporters. The club admitted to underestimating the common practice of account sharing among fans.

Mamelodi Sundowns, in collaboration with PUMA, have launched their new two-star away kit for the 2026/27 season, commemorating their second CAF Champions League title. The kit embodies the club's dynamic style and ambition, featuring advanced fabric technology.

Yan Diomande has left RB Leipzig's pre-season camp to finalize a monumental transfer to Real Madrid, a deal reportedly worth an initial €125 million. The move is set to make the Ivorian winger the most expensive African footballer in history.

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has praised new signings Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, highlighting their professionalism and experience as vital assets for the club's 2026/27 campaign.

Argentine attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono has finalized a season-long loan move from Real Madrid to Serie A club Fiorentina for the 2026/27 season, aimed at accelerating his development with consistent first-team football.

New Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed his initial discussions with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing the Portuguese captain's crucial role in the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Gintra and Riga FC Women will face each other in the third-place playoff of their UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying mini-tournament in Køge, Denmark, following defeats in their respective semi-final matches.

Kosovar international striker Fisnik Asllani is set to complete a significant transfer to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for a fee potentially reaching €30 million. The move concludes speculation linking the 23-year-old with a switch to Barcelona.

USMNT international Malik Tillman has publicly voiced significant frustrations with his Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen, in a highly critical interview, casting doubt on his long-term commitment to the team.

ŽNK Mura and ŽNK Hajduk Split will contest the third-place match in their UEFA Women's Champions League Second Qualifying Round mini-tournament, with a pathway to the UEFA Women's Europa Cup at stake.

Highly-rated teenage winger Jeremy Monga has completed a move to Manchester City from Leicester City, opting for the Etihad Stadium despite strong interest from reigning Premier League champions Arsenal. The 17-year-old cited City's pathway and consistent success as key factors in his decision.

Juventus secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, a match that saw the return of Mykhailo Mudryk and an impressive performance from young midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are reportedly set to marry in Funchal, Madeira, next week, though the footballer will not arrive as a World Cup champion, a vow he previously made.

Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, though personal terms are still pending amidst interest from other top European clubs.

Young Boys Women and SeaSters Women are set to meet in a pivotal UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying second round play-off, with both teams aiming to advance in the prestigious competition.

Real Madrid has reportedly agreed a transfer fee with RB Leipzig for winger Yan Diomande, a deal set to make the 19-year-old the most expensive player in the club's history, surpassing the fee paid for Jude Bellingham. This significant acquisition aims to bolster Los Blancos' attacking options.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has expressed surprise and disappointment regarding Mohamed Salah's decision to join Turkish club Trabzonspor, suggesting the Egyptian forward is "too good" for the Turkish Super Lig.

Real Madrid has agreed a club-record €135 million (£115.7 million) deal for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, while simultaneously working to secure Vinícius Júnior amidst strong interest from Arsenal.

Chelsea's pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 campaign are underway in Hong Kong, with new manager Xabi Alonso overseeing an open training session. The Blues are set to face Serie A side Juventus in a friendly match.

A chance encounter between football sensation Erling Haaland and NBA icon Michael Jordan during their respective vacations has captivated sports fans worldwide. A photo shared by Haaland quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion about the towering athletes' comparative heights.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Puma have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 2026/27 season, prominently featuring two stars above the crest to mark their second CAF Champions League title.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba believes his team possesses a tactical advantage over Polokwane City ahead of their MTN8 quarter-final clash, citing Polokwane's early league fixture as a key scouting opportunity.

Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with a fee potentially reaching £115.8 million, making him the club's most expensive signing. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger is expected to undergo a medical examination in Madrid.

Mamelodi Sundowns, in collaboration with global sports company PUMA, introduced their 'Art of Play' Home and Away kits for the 2025/26 season, drawing inspiration from the club's distinctive tactical approach and flair.

As the Premier Soccer League celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hlompho Kekana recalls a pivotal childhood moment, while Orlando Pirates secure the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title.

Mamelodi Sundowns' pursuit of the MTN8 title remains unfulfilled, as the club was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2025 competition, extending a domestic cup drought amidst a period of significant continental success.

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan is determined to make amends in the 2026/27 Champions League after missing a crucial penalty in last season's play-off, a moment he described as "Celtic's most expensive."

Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City's significant summer acquisition, delivered a dynamic and influential performance in his Premier League debut, signaling a promising future for the Netherlands international.

Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the signing of veteran forward Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 35-year-old joins on a two-year contract, bringing significant Premier League experience to Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid has reportedly agreed a club-record deal for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, while Liverpool is exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye to bolster their attacking options.

Mamelodi Sundowns have clinched their second CAF Champions League title, a victory that has seen them hailed as the toughest team in continental football by two-time winner Hazem Emam.

The 2026 UEFA Super Cup will pit UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa, renewing the tactical rivalry between Luis Enrique and Unai Emery.

Barcelona's decorated midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí, is looking forward to the upcoming season with renewed enthusiasm, aiming to "enjoy football again" after a challenging injury layoff. Her return coincides with a period of unprecedented success for her club.

The 2025/26 football season for Mamelodi Sundowns was marked by continental success under Miguel Cardoso, yet their encounter with former coach Rulani Mokwena at MC Alger was overshadowed by allegations of leaked tactical information.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal has nullified Eliud Owalo's appointment as Gor Mahia's patron, ruling that the club's Executive Committee lacked the constitutional authority for such a decision. The tribunal has directed the club to convene an Annual General Meeting within 60 days.

Jamie Gittens is poised for a significant impact at Chelsea, expressing renewed confidence and ambition for the upcoming 2026/27 season under new head coach Xabi Alonso. His pre-season form suggests a full recovery from a hamstring injury that curtailed his debut campaign.

Ange Postecoglou has expressed his profound honour in managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, following his appointment as the Saudi Pro League club's new head coach. He takes the helm of a reigning league champion side, ready for the 2026/27 season.

Manchester United has completed the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Premier League rivals Leeds United on a free transfer, bolstering their squad depth for the upcoming 2026/27 season. Darlow is set to serve as the primary backup to established number one Senne Lammens.

Chelsea has officially secured the services of England international Jordan Henderson, signing the experienced midfielder on a two-year deal from Brentford. His arrival marks a significant step in manager Xabi Alonso's strategic overhaul for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Everton has reportedly submitted a formal bid for Bayer Leverkusen's promising young striker Christian Kofane, intensifying their long-standing interest. This aggressive move positions the Premier League club to potentially secure a key attacking reinforcement ahead of several European giants.

Erling Haaland is set to remain Manchester City's highest earner for the 2026/27 season, with his weekly salary reported at £525,000 following a significant contract extension signed in January 2025.

Erling Haaland has publicly acknowledged a viral cat lookalike, affectionately dubbed "Meowland," which captivated social media during the 2025/26 season. His lighthearted "Meow" comment on the image delighted fans, further fueling the online phenomenon.

Manchester City defeated the K-League All Stars 3-1 in a pre-season friendly held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. The match marked Enzo Maresca's inaugural victory as manager amidst challenging conditions.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has outlined a clear vision for the upcoming 2026/27 season, aiming for success across all competitions after a mixed previous campaign that saw continental glory but a domestic league miss.

Phil Foden is actively looking forward to a fresh start and increased leadership responsibilities under new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, aiming to rediscover his top form for the upcoming season. Maresca has publicly committed to helping the England international return to his best.

Uganda's national football team, the Cranes, concluded a challenging period marked by an early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and a failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These results have brought renewed focus on underlying structural issues within Ugandan football.

Premier League champions Arsenal faced UEFA Champions League qualifiers Real Betis in a pre-season friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, marking their first-ever encounter as both clubs fine-tuned preparations for the 2026/27 season.

Lebo Ramalepe has embraced a new, more advanced role as a winger for Banyana Banyana at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, proving instrumental in their quarter-final qualification.

Recent reports suggesting Michael Carrick's imminent departure from Manchester United appear to be unfounded, given his successful tenure and the club's strong performance under his leadership. Speculation linking Eddie Howe to the role also lacks current factual basis.

Pyramids FC, now under the guidance of Rulani Mokwena, is actively pursuing several attacking talents to strengthen its squad for the upcoming 2026/27 season. This strategic move follows the departure of key forwards, signaling the club's ambition to maintain its competitive edge.

Rangers have officially completed the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from German club Hannover 96, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old joins on a three-year deal, becoming the ninth acquisition under manager Derek McInnes.

Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has vehemently called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, citing "deceitful" conduct following a controversial, now-abandoned plan to sell World Cup commercial rights.

Erling Haaland has claimed his third Premier League Golden Boot in four years, finishing the 2025/26 season as the league's top scorer with 27 goals. His individual brilliance stood out in a campaign where Manchester City secured a domestic cup double but finished second in the league.

Chelsea FC Women have commenced their pre-season tour in New Zealand, arriving in Auckland to begin preparations for the upcoming season. The initial days are focused on training and community engagement ahead of their first match.

Pyramids FC head coach Rulani Mokwena has confirmed the departure of prolific striker Fiston Mayele and outlined the club's immediate focus on securing new attacking talent for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Phil Foden has opened up about his omission from England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, a decision that followed a season of inconsistent form for the Manchester City midfielder. He now looks forward to a new chapter under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.

Lithuanian champions Gintra will face Scottish titleholders Heart of Midlothian in a UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying semi-final, marking Hearts' debut in the prestigious competition.

FC Barcelona is set to play Birmingham City in a pre-season friendly on July 31, 2026, at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, marking a significant step in their preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Erling Haaland has transcended his prolific goal-scoring to become an unexpected global internet sensation, with his unpolished charm and viral content captivating millions beyond the football pitch.

Despite a significant rib injury to veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in late 2024, Bayern Munich demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing a domestic double and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2025/26 season.

Chelsea FC Women have immersed themselves in New Zealand's rich Māori culture as part of their pre-season tour, participating in a traditional pōwhiri ceremony ahead of a landmark friendly match.

Despite Manchester United's interest and INEOS's reported willingness to invest, football correspondent David Ornstein indicates that Newcastle United's valuation of Lewis Hall, exceeding £62 million, makes a transfer unlikely.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal has declared Eliud Owalo's appointment as Gor Mahia patron unconstitutional, ordering the club to establish a Board of Trustees within 60 days.

Jose Mourinho's second tenure at Real Madrid begins with a clear vision, as the Portuguese manager identifies Bernardo Silva as the pivotal figure to orchestrate his midfield for the 2026/27 season.

Arsenal FC is set to face Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin, with manager Mikel Arteta anticipating the return of Brazilian internationals Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli to the squad.

Hearts Women navigated a challenging semi-final against FC Gintra, overcoming an early setback to keep their UEFA Women's Champions League aspirations alive in their historic debut campaign.

Mohamed Salah is reportedly on the verge of joining Trabzonspor as a free agent, while Real Madrid are in advanced talks to secure Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee potentially exceeding €130 million.

Leeds United's pre-season tour squad notably omits key attacker Noah Okafor, sparking discussions about his future and the club's ongoing pursuit of offensive reinforcements, including high-profile targets like Rafael Leao and Igor Paixao.

Aston Villa has reportedly made a £30 million bid for Barcelona's highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, though the Catalan club considers him an untouchable future star.

Antonio van Wyk has detailed his decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasizing the club's winning culture and the guaranteed opportunity for silverware as key factors in his return to South African football from Europe.

Al-Ittihad has completed the signing of Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy from UD Almería, a club with a 25% ownership stake held by Cristiano Ronaldo. Lopy arrives as the replacement for Brazilian international Fabinho, whose contract was not renewed as part of a squad restructuring.

Reports indicate Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been offered to Liverpool, though the Spanish international's preference is to remain at the Bernabéu despite coach Jose Mourinho's long-term plans.

Manchester City's midfield is undergoing a significant evolution, with Phil Foden expressing excitement about a potential partnership with Elliot Anderson, hinting at a new dynamic for the upcoming season.

The CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier draw has set the stage for the regional tournament, with eight teams learning their group stage opponents in Gaborone.

Congolese forward Glody Lilepo has officially concluded his impactful tenure with Kaizer Chiefs, making an emotional transfer to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi on a two-year deal. His departure marks a significant shift for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Rulani Mokwena, the newly appointed head coach of Pyramids FC, has addressed speculation surrounding his contract duration, emphasizing his focus on pre-season preparations and squad building for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Mamelodi Sundowns have concluded their preseason camp in Austria, returning to South Africa as they prepare for a demanding 2026/27 season across multiple competitions, following the postponement of their opening Betway Premiership fixture.

Fenerbahçe hosts Sturm Graz in Istanbul for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round tie, with both clubs eyeing a path to the lucrative group stage.

Erling Haaland has lauded Bernardo Silva as the "smartest player" he has ever played with, a tribute offered as Silva concludes his nine-year tenure at Manchester City to join Real Madrid.

Liverpool has been approached regarding a potential transfer for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, with the Spanish club reportedly approving his exit. However, the player's reluctance to leave the Santiago Bernabeu currently stalls any potential move.

Real Madrid has officially confirmed the transfer of forward Gonzalo Garcia to Premier League side Fulham for a reported fee of £34.3 million, marking a significant move in the summer transfer window.

As the Betway Premiership marks its 30th season, Mamelodi Sundowns reaffirmed their continental prowess with a CAF Champions League title, while Orlando Pirates ended their domestic dominance to claim a historic treble.