French footballer, attacking midfielder for Lyon
Clubs and federations are navigating a four-game Nations League window this autumn, with players facing heavy workloads and injuries. Officials say new scheduling aims to reduce long-haul travel, but clubs warn the changes disrupt domestic seasons. Ronaldo's Portugal and Haaland’s Norway have faced tough periods as UEFA, FIFA, and national bodies negotiate the calendar.
Phil Foden has extended his Manchester City contract until 2030 with an option to 2031, amid a renaissance under Enzo Maresca. The winger/attacker has become City’s most decorated player, and the deal signals confidence in a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is reuniting with Foden as the club plans to reclaim dominance in domestic and European competitions.
The French Football Federation has announced Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the France national team. Zidane has not coached since 2021 and signs a four-year contract. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who has stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane says he is ready to lead the team to further glory.
Celtic has secured a four-year deal with Haissem Hassan, a 24-year-old winger from Oviedo, with an option for a fifth year and add-ons totalling around £9m. The signing follows late-season interest and signals a broader transfer push as Mika Baur negotiations continue. Liverpool and Barca-linked moves also shape the summer, with new options for squads across the Premier League and La Liga.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
Arsenal and Manchester City prepare for the Community Shield in Cardiff as Enzo Maresca begins life in charge at City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal seek to defend their title amid transfer chatter and squad transitions. The match will offer clues about hunger and cohesion ahead of the new season, though it remains ceremonial with real lessons to be drawn later.
Fernandes has broken the Premier League assists record with 21 assists and scored nine goals as Manchester United finish third. Shaw has top-scored for City with 21 goals as they win the Women’s Super League. The awards are decided by the Football Writers’ Association and PFA, with additional honours for players across Arsenal, City and United. The teams also celebrate multiple winners and a host of youth awards.
Lyon winger Bradley Barcola has become a PSG-alarm story reward. Liverpool have agreed a £100m deal to sign Barcola after a rapid rise from Lyon’s reserves to Ligue 1 champion and France international. The transfer follows his breakout season and a blockbuster move that fueled PSG’s departures, marking the culmination of a high-speed rise.
Manchester City has maintained early-season momentum with a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace, led by Rayan Cherki’s two goals and Erling Haaland’s brace. Enzo Maresca’s side shows attacking fluency under the new manager, with Cherki delivering a Player of the Match performance and Haaland hitting form in back-to-back fixtures.
Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick and adds an assist as Manchester United overturn a first-half deficit to beat Ipswich 5-2. Kobbie Mainoo is hailed as world-class by Luke Shaw, and new signing Baleba waits in the wings.
A look at how early-season form across the Championship, League One and League Two is shaping expectations, with Charlton, Swansea, Swansea and Wolves noted for brisk starts and Derby’s ownership saga continuing to unfold.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Manchester City have won a dramatic Manchester derby, extending their lead at the top as United push hard but fall short. A red card for Phil Foden opened a chaotic half, with Enzo Fernandez offside controversy and Haaland finishing late to seal the result.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has sustained a knee hyperextension and will return to Madrid for treatment, casting doubt over his participation in upcoming Nations League matches and the Clasico.
France and Italy play to a 1-1 draw in Paris as Olise nets a late winner for France in a tense Nations League clash; Donnarumma and Bastoni rescue Italy with key saves and a late Upamecano red card alters the game.
Manchester City has been found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The independent commission has ruled that the club artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs through sham contracts and disguised funding, with sanctions to be decided at a separate hearing. City denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal.
City’s appeal against a landmark financial ruling remains central as they chase results on the field. Enzo Maresca’s side have won 3-0 in a dramatic return to action, while pressure mounts around ongoing charges and the potential seismic penalties.
Bradley Barcola nets a hat-trick on his 238th career appearance, guiding Liverpool to a 6-3 win over Linzer AK in Linz. Wirtz provides an assist, Iraola defends his squad, and Barcola lays down a marker for Premier League form.