Spanish football club from San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded in 1909
The early Premier League campaign shows Arsenal leading in xG difference, with City close behind; Manchester United and Newcastle face underwhelming starts. Brighton and Hull Ipswich show solid starts among promoted sides. Newcastle’s high finishing belies a modest xG; several teams underperform relative to chances created.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
Rangers have secured the signing of 26-year-old Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. The move strengthens Rangers’ attacking options ahead of their Europa League third qualifying round match against Jagellonia, with Yokota registered in time for the tie.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
Liverpool has secured Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona with an option to buy. The move strengthens the back line as injuries bite, with Konaté gone and several defenders sidelined. Araujo has taken a pay cut to join and will wear number 33, providing leadership and versatility at centre-back and right-back.
Paris Saint-Germain have retained the UEFA Super Cup after Déziré Doué's 61st-minute strike, awarded following a VAR review, beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring before 17-year-old Brian Madjo levelled for Villa on his competitive debut, becoming the youngest scorer in the fixture's history.
Chelsea have not received a formal bid for Enzo Fernandez, who remains a Chelsea player as the transfer window closes. City are keen, while Chelsea are eyeing replacements and preparing for the season opener against Fulham.
Barcelona have strengthened midfield and attack this summer but lack an established number nine. Rodri has joined City, Gordon and Adeyemi add pace, while Alvarez eye remains a potential move; Barça face decision as window closes.
English clubs Bournemouth, Sunderland and Crystal Palace are set for European action this season after the Europa League draw placed them in pots with Juventus, Milan and Olympiacos among others. The field features Celtic, Real Sociedad and Marseille as the tournament grows more competitive. The draw determines fixtures for the group phase, with teams facing two from each of four pots and hosting half the matches.
Eight teams face an extensive Europa and Conference League schedule as the new season begins, with Bournemouth and Sunderland among the highlights, including ties against Milan and Real Sociedad and a return to European competition for Palace and Celtic.
Barcelona has opened its Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord; PSG has beaten Slovan Bratislava 6-1 as Ousmane Dembélé and Torres scored early and Torres completed a hat-trick; Real Betis has beaten Lille 3-2 with Donald Parrott scoring the winner on his Champions League debut and Lille finished with ten men after Ethan Mbappé’s red card.
A weekend of dramatic results has reshaped the early-season landscape. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool all feature in standout performances as results ripple through the table ahead of the international break.
Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, has faced a setback in La Liga as they chase a Champions League title, while PSG, Bayern and Barcelona push for dominance in Europe. The season opens with high stakes as teams recalibrate after summer moves including Mourinho’s return to Madrid.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has expressed sadness at not receiving a new contract, while teammates Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have extended deals. He has options to leave, and recent results show his form remains pivotal as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid to start their Champions League campaign.
The 70th Ballon d’Or is set to be awarded in London on October 26. Kane, Bellingham, and Rice headline the men’s shortlist, with Messi and Mbappé among others on the list. The ceremony marks a milestone anniversary; the competition has featured a global lineup and continues to spark debate over the year’s standout performers.
Liverpool has hosted a busy start under Andoni Iraola, drawing with Fulham and sharing points as the Spaniard adapts to a congested schedule. The team shows signs of improvement but still seeks sharper attacking output after a mixed run of results.
A Clasico-like Madrid derby sees Atletico Madrid edge Real Madrid 2-1, with a late red card incident, controversial VAR calls, and Mourinho’s return to the press room retracing old battles. Across Europe, Barcelona extend their dominance, while Bournemouth stage a historic European night and Valencia suffer a crushing defeat.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.