From the outside, the club legend appeared the ‘king over the water’ who could have succeeded either Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot. But in Andoni Iraola, Liverpool identified a head coach who they felt was a better fit for the style of play Anfield wants to see. By Richard Jolly
ALKHOBAR: “Everyone will get their chance to participate and add value to the team,” said Simone Inzaghi in the pre-match press conference for Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite Matchday 3 clash against Al-Shamal on Monday. Indeed, Inzaghi brought in a host of players in a changed lineup after Al-Hilal’s hard-fought victory over Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League last Friday, but it resulted in their first-ever league stage defeat since the Elite edition launched in 2024/25. In goal, Gulf Cup
Fleetwood 1-1 Arsenal (Fleetwood win 5-3 on pens): The Premier League champions lost to the side currently in 18th in League Two in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup
The United boss has survived a torrid run of form, including a humiliating loss to Bournemouth, but despite another game to prove himself, Richard Jolly outlines how the decision makers may have misinterpreted the scenes after Sunday’s match
On Monday, Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony held in London—the first time the event has taken place outside of France since the award’s inception in 1956.
English forward Harry Kane received the award for the first time, finishing ahead of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé (second) and Spaniard Lamine Yamal (third) in the voting. The award recognizes the best footballer in the world for the season and cements Kane’s status as a leading figure in international football.
In the men’s rankings, Rodri placed fourth and Fabián Ruiz tenth, while Lionel Messi finished fifth.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, following her previous wins in 2021 and 2022. The midfielder was recognized as the best female player in the world, further building her legacy in one of the most significant awards in women’s football.
Golden nights for Alexia Putellas and Harry Kane as they win the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin and Ballon d’Or Awards.
Putellas, who led FC Barcelona Femení to the quadruple last season, wins the Award for a record-equalling third time.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honor in world football, recognizing the best player on the planet each season. Its list of winners includes the sport’s greatest legends, topped by Lionel Messi—who holds the all-time record with eight awards—ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won five.
From a Spanish perspective, only Luis Suárez Miramontes, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Rodri have managed to win the trophy—an award that, every year, captures the attention of the football world and fuels the debate over who delivered the best performance of the season.
A packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires gathered to support the Argentine national team in its match against Benin and to share an emotional night as Lionel Messi bid farewell to the Argentine public. Thousands of fans gathered around the stadium and in the stands celebrated… pic.twitter.com/M5qEFV7IpY
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