Muhammad Zaki

Ronaldinho has received a hero’s welcome in Ravenna after joining the Serie C club’s project, although it remains unclear whether the 46-year-old will play competitive matches or serve primarily in an off-field and marketing role. Thousands of fans attended his arrival and presentation, while club president Ignazio Cipriani described the move as a way to bring the city closer to the team and raise its profile. Ravenna has ruled Ronaldinho out of its season opener against Reggiana, but has not closed the door on a future appearance as the Brazilian seeks to add another chapter to his career.

Pop star and lifelong Port Vale supporter Robbie Williams has been featured on a limited-edition Panini “shiny” sticker created through a partnership between Panini and the League Two club. The collectible marks Port Vale’s first home game since Williams became a kit sponsor and will be available to supporters at the Panini stand in the Holdcroft Motors Fanzone before the club’s match against Tranmere Rovers. Williams has also become the first ambassador for the Port Vale Foundation, while his initials appear on the club’s playing shirts and training wear.

New footage from the Amazon Prime Video documentary A Beautiful Obsession reportedly shows Kyle Walker confronting Pep Guardiola in Manchester City's dressing room after a 2–0 defeat to Liverpool in December 2024. Walker accused Guardiola of repeatedly singling him out and scapegoating him, while Guardiola defended the criticism and became tearful as he asked players to tell him if he had become a problem. Walker's role subsequently declined; he made only seven more appearances before joining AC Milan on loan in January 2025 and moving permanently to Burnley that summer. Guardiola left Manchester City in summer 2026, bringing an early end to his final contract and closing a transformative era for the club.

Jamie Carragher has criticized Liverpool’s tactical balance during pre-season, arguing that the team fields too many attacking players and resembles a chaotic “basketball” game rather than a top-level side. Liverpool’s 2–0 win over Como followed a volatile run of friendlies featuring 18 goals scored and conceded. Carragher sees Andoni Iraola’s appointment as an effort to restore Jürgen Klopp-style pressing and energy, but says responsibility will fall on the players if they fail to deliver. Liverpool’s opening match against Newcastle will provide an early test, while further transfers could address perceived midfield and defensive weaknesses.

Aston Villa have reportedly agreed a five-year deal to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for an initial €30 million, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to €35 million. The move follows the collapse of Suzuki’s proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, reportedly over agent commission demands. His arrival is expected to pave the way for Emiliano Martinez to leave Villa, with Juventus offering £8.5 million, although Aston Villa want the full amount guaranteed rather than structured through add-ons. Martinez would depart after six years and 256 appearances, having helped Villa win the Europa League.

Fenerbahce has issued a strong statement denying reports that it is negotiating for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, calling the rumours unfounded and accusing unnamed media outlets of trying to manipulate the club and public opinion. Gittens, who joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £48 million, endured an injury-hit first season but is part of Xabi Alonso's pre-season plans and hopes to return to form. Fenerbahce is instead focused on its upcoming Super Lig match and an active summer transfer campaign that has included Romelu Lukaku and a club-record deal for Mason Greenwood.

Lionel Messi missed his third consecutive penalty as Inter Miami suffered a 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC at Geodis Park. After Telasco Segovia briefly equalized, Hany Mukhtar scored twice and Sam Surridge added another goal as Nashville exposed Miami’s defensive weaknesses. Messi also hit both posts and had a goal disallowed for offside. The match was his first start since the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the defeat would not derail the team’s development, while the club now faces Philadelphia Union in a quick turnaround.

Manchester City have secured 16-year-old midfielder Xavier Parker on a new long-term deal after fending off interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and other clubs. Parker will initially sign scholarship terms before moving to a professional contract at 17. Newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca reportedly helped persuade him to stay, while Parker’s strong academy record and first-team training have raised expectations that he could make his senior debut during the 2026–27 season.

RB Leipzig have reportedly reached agreements on personal terms with former Chelsea winger Diego Moreira and Strasbourg prospect Samir El Mourabet as they seek to replace Yan Diomande following his major transfer to Real Madrid. Leipzig must still negotiate transfer fees and add-ons with Strasbourg, which is expected to demand a premium after losing several important players this summer. The double pursuit reflects Leipzig’s established strategy of signing young talent with strong resale potential.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack criticized Illan Meslier for joining Arsenal on a free transfer despite likely serving as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, arguing that the move could reflect a loss of ambition and may hinder the development of academy prospect Tommy Setford. Meslier said he was proud to join the Premier League champions and hopes to win trophies under Mikel Arteta. Stack nevertheless backed Arsenal to retain the league title, citing their recruitment, including Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis, while expecting a close contest with Manchester City.

Chelsea drew 3-3 with Johor Darul Ta'zim in a chaotic pre-season match that left the club facing a defensive injury crisis. Aaron Anselmino suffered an apparent hamstring injury and left the pitch in tears, while Mamadou Sarr withdrew during the warm-up. The match also featured a touchline confrontation involving Austin MacPhee and Xabi Alonso after a challenge on Liam Delap, adding to concerns about Chelsea's defensive depth and preparations for the new Premier League season.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone reiterated in Seoul that the club does not intend to sell Julián Alvarez despite reported interest from Arsenal and Barcelona. Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said Alvarez can only leave if a €500 million release clause is met. Arsenal view Alvarez as a marquee attacking target, while Barcelona face financial-regulation constraints and have reportedly held talks with his representative. Alvarez has expressed a desire for a transfer and a new challenge, but Atlético expects him to remain professional and return to training.

Michael Mount was substituted less than 20 minutes into Manchester United’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg after taking a knock. Manager Michael Carrick said the club removed him as a precaution and noted that Mount was later seen walking freely, easing fears of another serious injury. Manchester United equalized through Bryan Mbeumo after PSG took the lead via Ibrahim Mbaye. Carrick praised the test provided by PSG and said the team needed to improve its finishing as preparations continue for the Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given warns that the club’s extensive summer upheaval could leave it facing a genuine relegation battle. He points to Eddie Howe’s resignation, the departures of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and potentially Bruno Guimaraes, as well as the loss of Kieran Trippier, as evidence that Newcastle’s midfield quality, experience and leadership have been severely reduced. Given says younger replacements may need time to adapt to the Premier League, while the arrival of Matthias Jaissle leaves the club racing to establish a new identity before the season begins.

UEFA has formally warned FIFA and President Gianni Infantino to preserve all documents related to the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, cautioning that deleting or altering evidence could constitute a criminal act. The proposed $20 billion subsidiary, which would have sold a 20% stake in FIFA assets to private investors reportedly linked to Joshua Kushner, provoked opposition from UEFA's 55 member associations and threats of a boycott. Infantino canceled the project after the backlash, but UEFA is considering litigation, arbitration, and regulatory complaints, while the controversy has intensified doubts about his leadership and prospects for reelection.

Bournemouth have rejected two Barcelona offers for 20-year-old striker Eli Junior Kroupi, both reportedly below €100 million. Kroupi is said to be thrilled by Barcelona's interest and keen on a move, while Barcelona view him as an alternative to their preferred target, Julián Álvarez. Barcelona's pursuit of Álvarez has also stalled, with Atlético Madrid resisting a sale despite the player's reported transfer demand. The Catalan club's need for a new forward has increased following Robert Lewandowski's departure and speculation surrounding Ferran Torres.

Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is no longer a candidate to become Italy’s national team manager after his commercial partnership with Russian betting company Fonbet raised concerns about a conflict of interest under Italy’s strict gambling advertising rules. Pirlo said he was deeply saddened by the decision, defended the partnership as purely commercial and sporting, and rejected attempts to attach political views or motives to it. The collapse of the proposed appointment leaves the Italian Football Federation and officials Paolo Maldini and Leonardo searching for a new manager as the UEFA Nations League campaign approaches.

Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville, but Joe Gomez’s injury overshadowed the pre-season victory. Andoni Iraola said Jeremy Jacquet, a £60 million summer signing recovering from a shoulder injury and a lengthy spell without football, is expected to make his debut in the final match of Liverpool’s United States tour rather than being rushed into action. Goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas secured the win, although Iraola said heavy legs and a lack of sharpness remained issues.

Ruben Amorim said AC Milan’s players are still struggling to understand and consistently execute his high-pressing system after a 2-2 pre-season draw with Celtic in Glasgow. He acknowledged that the tactical transition will take time, particularly in defensive situations and sustained possession. Francesco Camarda scored twice in seven minutes and earned Amorim’s assurance that he will remain with the first-team squad for the season. New signing Mario Gila also went off with a muscular problem that Amorim believes is not serious.

Netflix has renewed its partnership with Gary Lineker’s football show The Rest Is Football for the 2026–27 Premier League season following its success during the 2026 World Cup. The new agreement introduces a weekly episode schedule and extends coverage across the Premier League and Champions League, with plans running through Euro 2028. Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards will continue as central hosts as the show evolves from a podcast into a prominent streaming program.

France conceded four early goals and lost 6-4 to England in the World Cup third‑place playoff, prompting Adrien Rabiot to condemn his teammates’ attitude and behaviour. Internal tensions surfaced as Rayan Cherki clashed with Didier Deschamps during the coach’s final match in charge. England capitalised on France’s disjointed performance, with Declan Rice praising the strength of Thomas Tuchel’s squad. France now prepare for a post‑Deschamps transition, with Zinedine Zidane poised to take over and rebuild unity.

Michael Olise set a new single‑tournament World Cup assists record with seven after setting up two goals for Kylian Mbappe, surpassing Pele’s 1970 mark, but France’s 6‑4 loss to England in the third‑place match left him distraught following two costly late misses. Didier Deschamps supported the emotional winger, whose strong tournament has intensified transfer interest, with Real Madrid now leading the race as Paris Saint‑Germain withdraws.

England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina prompted strong criticism of Thomas Tuchel, whose defensive changes were blamed for surrendering a 1-0 lead before late goals overturned the match. Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart condemned the negative tactical shift, arguing it undermined player confidence and repeated past failures. Former World Cup winners Thomas Muller and Iker Casillas also faulted England’s passive approach, calling it tactically baffling and self-destructive.

Xabi Alonso has introduced an intense fitness‑focused regime at Chelsea after the squad’s poor physical output last season, supported by a specialized coaching team and expanded managerial authority. Cole Palmer impressed by finishing second in a demanding bleep test, with young players also excelling. Alonso is shaping the squad through direct dialogue with key players and new recruits, aiming to build a team centred on Palmer. A global pre‑season tour across multiple continents will serve as a major test of the squad’s improved conditioning.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic sharply criticised Noni Madueke’s performance in England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, joking that a spidercam cable outperformed the winger before he was substituted at halftime by Thomas Tuchel. Jude Bellingham’s two goals secured victory despite controversy over a potential ball-to-cable contact, which FIFA later dismissed through sensor data. England advanced to face Argentina, while concerns remain over Madueke’s effectiveness as Bukayo Saka’s replacement.

Switzerland condemned the refereeing in their World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina after Breel Embolo was controversially sent off following a VAR review for mistaken identity. Coach Murat Yakin and midfielder Remo Freuler called the decision incomprehensible and damaging, arguing it shifted the match’s momentum and ultimately contributed to their extra‑time defeat. The incident stemmed from IFAB’s expanded rule allowing reviews when a booking should apply to the opposing player, a change that also featured earlier in the tournament. Despite FIFA’s support of the rule’s application, Swiss players and staff expressed anger and disbelief as Argentina capitalised on the numerical advantage to advance to the semi-finals.

Footage from France’s camp shows Kylian Mbappe in good spirits ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Spain, easing concerns over the minor ankle issue that prompted his substitution against Morocco. Mbappe was seen laughing with Thierry Henry, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Didier Deschamps confirming the injury was minor. Henry encouraged the squad while reminding them the tournament is far from over. Mbappe enters the semi-final in strong form as France aim for a third straight World Cup final.

Pierluigi Collina strongly defended referee Raphael Claus after Donald Trump questioned the official’s integrity following Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump’s intervention led to Balogun’s suspension being lifted, creating political tension within the World Cup’s governance structure. FIFA reaffirmed Claus’s professionalism amid criticism, while the United States exited the tournament after a 4-1 loss to Belgium. The episode intensified debate over political influence on FIFA’s disciplinary processes.

Erling Haaland’s father reignited speculation over a future Real Madrid move by acknowledging the club’s appeal, though stressing Haaland’s happiness at Manchester City. Fabrizio Romano dismissed the possibility of a 2026 summer transfer while noting that Madrid remains a long‑term option Haaland has not ruled out. Haaland stays central to Manchester City’s plans under new coach Enzo Maresca, bolstered by strong club relations and a long contract. His standout World Cup performance for Norway further enhances his value, leaving Madrid interested but waiting for a future opportunity.