Real Madrid disadvantaged by Champions League overhaul

The new league-phase format of the UEFA Champions League has introduced a challenge that goes far beyond tactics and form, with record-winners Real Madrid facing a bigger impact than most.

Salah’s historic season falls short of Ballon d’Or

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, but it won’t be enough to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, writes Dylan Johnson.

Silva fumes over lack of respect in schedule row

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has slammed football’s schedule makers for lacking respect and fairness after his side were given little time to prepare for their clash with Arsenal.

Stalemate against City missed opportunity for Gunners

Arsenal and Manchester City played out a 1–1 draw in the Premier League, but the post-match numbers suggest the Gunners could feel they left points on the table against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Dembele favourite to edge Yamal to Ballon d’Or

PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele is tipped to hold off Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and win the men’s Ballon d’Or.

WATCH: Ballon d’Or 2025, Beyond the secret

France Football unveils all the secrets behind the most prestigious trophies in world football, ahead of the 2025 ceremony.

Africans in Europe: Iwobi triggers Fulham comeback

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi scored and created another goal as Fulham came from behind to defeat Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League at the weekend.

Arsenal late show denies Man City, Villa still winless

Gabriel Martinelli’s 93rd minute equaliser saved Arsenal’s Premier League title bid from a damaging defeat to Manchester City, while Aston Villa remain winless after a limp 1-1 draw at 10-man Sunderland.

Salah, Dembélé, Mbappe headline Ballon d’Or race

The Ballon d’Or will be awarded in Paris on September 22, with data and criteria pointing to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé as frontrunners, though Kylian Mbappé and Viktor Gyökeres also emerge as leading contenders.

Sundowns sign Santos from Vitória Guimarães

With the transfer deadline set for September 22, Mamelodi Sundowns have reached an agreement with Vitória Guimarães SC for the signing of midfielder Nuno Santos.