Lionel Messi has made the 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist after another prolific season, while five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted despite helping Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title.
Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided an assist, leading Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, snapping their five-game winless streak and topping the MLS scoring charts.
George Russell seized pole position for a race that could snap teammate Kimi Antonelli's winning streak while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton split the Mercedes pair in Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.
Leeds United climbed to third in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Newcastle, while Inter Milan staged a comeback to beat Udinese 5-3, maintaining their perfect Serie A start alongside AS Roma, who won 2-0 at Torino. In LaLiga, Betis continued their strong run with a win over Villarreal.
Lionel Messi leaves as a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion, the man who stepped out of Diego Maradona's immense shadow to create an Argentine legacy entirely his own.
The upcoming LaLiga season promises an intense battle as Barcelona defends its title against a revamped Real Madrid, led by returning manager Jose Mourinho, and a turbulent Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid has made significant signings and brought back Mourinho after two trophyless seasons, while Barcelona relies on continuity and its World Cup-winning core. Atletico Madrid faces pressure on manager Diego Simeone and a potential transfer saga involving Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for a dramatic season.
Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has extended his contract through to June 2028, with an option for a further season, after he guided them to a 29th LaLiga title, the club said on Monday.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri's holiday photo from Ibiza went viral, drawing comparisons to the 'distracted boyfriend' meme.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledges that the club's newly revamped backline, featuring Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet, will require time to develop strong partnerships and click into gear, despite their promising start in a friendly.
Jorge Messi, father of football icon Lionel Messi and his long-time representative, has passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He was a crucial pillar of support throughout his son's career, from his early days at Barcelona to his current stint with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager replaces Ronald Koeman and marks his first role as a national team coach.
Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the LaLiga season with a commanding 4-0 victory over promoted Malaga on Sunday.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his hope that Marcus Rashford will remain at the club, calling the forward a 'huge threat' and a significant asset who can improve the team.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed comfort with his current squad despite ongoing transfer uncertainty, acknowledging that key players Rodri and Savinho have made their desire to leave clear, while the club remains prepared for further movements before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea made it two wins from two under Xavi Alonso, surviving Brighton's dramatic comeback to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and continue their high-scoring Premier League start.
Barcelona moved to the brink of retaining the LaLiga title after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres struck late in a 2-1 victory at Osasuna.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to the US Open after a nearly five-month absence due to a wrist injury, with fellow professionals expressing confidence in his ability to quickly regain form despite the layoff.
Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for the right fee if they can strengthen midfield first, while City remain keen despite missing Chelsea's deadline.
Ferran Torres scored two late goals on his debut for Paris St Germain, coming off the bench to help his new club rally from a two-goal deficit and secure a 2-2 draw against Stade Rennais in their Ligue 1 season opener.
Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, casting fresh doubts over the Spaniard's fitness ahead of his US Open title defence this month.
Carlos Alcaraz returns at the US Open after a four-month wrist injury layoff, aiming to defend his title and reignite his Grand Slam campaign.
Michael Carrick aims to build on Manchester United's revival, balancing renewed confidence, squad reinforcements and Champions League demands while pushing the club toward sustained success among England's Premier League elite.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to defend his U.S. Open title after a nearly five-month injury layoff, with expectations high despite limited match practice as he aims for a third New York crown.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to lead Manchester United to a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, securing their first Premier League win of the season. The captain's performance underscored his dual role as a prolific goalscorer and elite playmaker, reaffirming his indispensable value to Michael Carrick's side.
Brazil football icon Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy after joining Serie C club Ravenna FC, where he has also taken a stake. While his last competitive match was in 2015.
Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a four-year deal. He has pledged to implement an attractive, dominant style of play while instilling a strong desire to win. Xavi aims to build a cohesive team from talented players and is ready to face the pressure of his new role, starting with a Nations League match against Germany.
Barcelona continued their march towards the LaLiga title with a 2-0 victory at Getafe on Saturday, as goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford secured them a ninth consecutive league win.
UEFA rejects Barcelona's complaint over a controversial refereeing decision in their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, ruling the protest inadmissible ahead of the second leg.
World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Gerard Pique has become a strategic shareholder in the Global Chess League franchise American Gambits. Pique, known for his illustrious football career, expressed his long-standing fascination with chess and his ambition to elevate the sport's global appeal. The fourth edition of the Global Chess League, featuring top grandmasters, is scheduled for September 3-13.
Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 in LaLiga, but the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Lamine Yamal.
Giuliano Simeone, son of manager Diego Simeone, scored a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for 10-man Atletico Madrid against Villarreal. The match was marked by fan anger towards striker Julian Alvarez and a contentious red card for Robin Le Normand.
As the U.S. Open approaches, several top players are vying for the men's singles title, with Arthur Fils emerging as a strong contender after his Cincinnati Open victory, while Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and rising star Rafael Jodar also pose significant threats.
Carlo Espi, a close-season signing, scored in the 90th minute to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their LaLiga opener, securing three points for Jose Mourinho's returning side.
Thousands of fans across Spain erupted in joyous celebrations, dancing in the streets, setting off fireworks, and launching red flares, after La Roja secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Atletico Madrid reached their first Champions League semi-final in nine years, narrowly defeating Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 home defeat.
Indian fashion just had another big moment as Vaishali S Studio became the first Indian designer to showcase at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and she didn't just show up, she made it a moment.
Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to reclaim the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner at the Barcelona Open, focusing on improvement and using their rivalry as motivation.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has reportedly suspended his professional career indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at 68 after a prolonged illness.
