Sports

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 4–0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, emphatically re-establishing their position at the top of the table after a brief run without a three-point league return. Manchester City and Aston Villa remained in chase as Arsenal moved seven points clear at the summit, with their nearest rivals yet to play. Arsenal opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Martin Zubimendi headed in from a Noni Madueke

Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Al-Ittihad striker, refused to play for his Saudi Pro League club just hours before their scheduled match, after rejecting a proposed contract renewal that he considers unacceptable, according to multiple reports. Benzema informed Al-Ittihad’s management that he will not feature in the upcoming fixture — reported to be against Al-Fateh — in protest at the latest offer to extend his stay at the club. The 38-year-old’s current deal

Barcelona dropped points in La Liga after a 2-1 defeat away to Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, a result that ends the Catalans’ recent winning sequence and hands three points to their hosts. Real Sociedad took the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal’s strike in the first half, and although Marcus Rashford equalised for Barcelona early in the second period, Sociedad responded almost immediately when Gonçalo Guedes restored the advantage for the home side. The visitors finished the

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final with a 1–0 victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, claiming the continental title in a match marked by controversy, protest and a decisive extra-time goal. The decisive turn came in extra time, when Pape Gueye produced a quick and incisive strike early in the additional period, dancing past defenders and placing a precise shot into the top corner beyond Morocco goalkeep

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2–1 home defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening, extending the club’s troubling form and amplifying pressure on head coach Thomas Frank. West Ham took the lead early through Crysencio Summerville’s effort, which was deflected into the net to put the visitors ahead. Tottenham equalised in the second half when Cristian Romero powered home a header from a Pedro Porro delivery, drawing Spurs le

Manchester United claimed a 2–0 victory over local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday, handing interim manager Michael Carrick a successful start to his tenure in a high-profile derby fixture. United took the lead in the 65th minute when Bryan Mbeumo finished a swift counter-attacking move, slotting home after a rapid transition. They doubled their advantage in the 76th minute as Patrick Dorgu converted from close range to make it 2–0, re

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed that he will depart the club at the end of the 2025–26 season, bringing an end to his managerial tenure at Selhurst Park when his contract expires in June. The announcement was made public on Friday, with Glasner saying he is seeking a new challenge beyond his current role. Glasner, 51, told reporters that he informed Palace months ago of his decision and that both he and the club agreed to keep the information confidenti

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has revealed he came close to retiring from professional football during a lengthy recovery from injury, saying he struggled mentally and physically before ultimately committing to his comeback. The candid interview was given to AFA Estudio, where he reflected on his rehabilitation and how support from those around him helped him persevere. The 27-year-old Argentina international was sidelined for approximately nine months after da

Morocco secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final by defeating Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw after extra time in their semifinal at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Wednesday. Regulation and extra time finished 0–0, with both teams creating limited clear-cut chances and failing to break the deadlock over 120 minutes. Neither side was able to convert opportunities in open play, despite tactical adjustments and substi

Arsenal secured a 3–2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, taking a narrow lead into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal opened the scoring early through Ben White, who headed home in the 7th minute following an error by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. The Gunners extended their advantage shortly after half-time when Viktor Gyökeres finished from close range to make it 2–0. Chelsea responded afte

Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semifinal on Wednesday at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, booking their place in the final of the competition. The only goal of the match came in the second half, when seasoned forward Sadio Mané found the net, breaking the deadlock and ultimately deciding the contest in Senegal’s favour. The semifinal was a tightly contested affair featuring tactical discipline from both sides. Senegal’s d

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, with the 25-year-old joining the club on a long-term contract until 2031. Gallagher’s move to Spurs was announced by the club and is subject to international clearance, with the transfer fee reported to be around €40 million. Gallagher, who began his senior career with Chelsea and has previously played for Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and in Spain with Atlético Mad

PHOTO: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, is escorted down the tunnel after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Napoli at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026, in Milan, Italy. Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has been handed a two-match suspension and fined €15,000 following his dismissal during Napoli’s Serie A defeat away to Inter on Sunday. The sanction was confirmed by Lega Serie A, which announced the disciplinary measures

Xabi Alonso has broken his silence following his departure from Real Madrid, releasing a personal statement on his social media channels days after leaving the club. The Spaniard confirmed the end of his short spell at the Bernabéu, which lasted just seven months of an initial three-year agreement, with Real Madrid sitting second in La Liga at the time of his exit. Alonso’s departure followed defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that compounded a diffi

Manchester United have reached an agreement with former midfielder Michael Carrick to become the club’s interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer missing out on the role. According to The Athletic, Carrick’s return to Old Trafford will see him take charge of the first team on a temporary basis following the departure of Rúben Amorim earlier this month. United are finalising contract details with the 44-year-old and aim to have him i

Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2–1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, knocking United out of the Emirates FA Cup third round and advancing to the fourth round of the competition. Brighton took the lead in the first half through Brajan Gruda, who finished a well-taken move to give the visitors an early advantage. Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck doubled the lead before the break with a powerful finish, making it 2–0 at the interval. Unite

Egypt have defeated Ivory Coast 3-2 in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final at the Agadir Grand Stade, advancing to the semi-final stage of the continental tournament. Egypt opened the scoring early through Omar Marmoush, who finished a through-ball opportunity to give the Pharaohs an early lead. Ramy Rabia extended Egypt’s advantage with a header from a Mohamed Salah corner, putting Egypt 2-0 ahead midway through the first half. Ivory Coast reduced the deficit when E

Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final at the Marrakesh Stadium, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing their progression. Nigeria controlled the match for long periods, creating several attacking chances and defending with organisation to prevent the hosts from troubling Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Just after the interval, Osimhen broke the deadlock when he headed home a

Macclesfield Town produced one of the most notable FA Cup shocks in the competition’s history by eliminating holders Crystal Palace with a 2-1 victory in the third round at Moss Rose, a match that featured a significant gap between the clubs and historic implications. The National League North side, playing five levels below their Premier League opponents and separated by 117 league places, advanced to the fourth round with goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ric