Players who participated in the 2026 World Cup generated over $3.3 billion in international transfer fees during the recent mid-year transfer window, contributing to a record $9.89 billion spent in men's football, FIFA announced.
Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegal forward, has completed a permanent transfer from Paris St Germain to Premier League club Aston Villa.
David Owori, the 28-year-old captain of Ugandan football club SC Villa and an international player, has died after being critically injured in an assault by unidentified assailants in Kampala.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly 'happy, cheerful and playing his football' under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite being in the final year of his contract and facing speculation about a potential move to Arsenal.
Here are the 10 top signings this summer and whose performances will be keenly critiqued.
FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in advanced negotiations to bring its national football team to Kolkata, India, for a friendly match in early October, marking a significant event for the region's large Brazilian fan base.
Football superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, adding to his growing portfolio of football ownership interests. The acquisition, which involves taking over all shares from majority owner TH Soluciones Group S.A.S, is pending approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD).
Emami Group has officially concluded its role as an investor and manager in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all shares and voting rights back to the club. The group will, however, continue its association with East Bengal FC as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to Indian football. This transition follows a successful period for the club under Emami's ownership, marked by significant victories for both men's and women's teams.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.
Chelsea have completed the signing of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri's holiday photo from Ibiza went viral, drawing comparisons to the 'distracted boyfriend' meme.
The Premier League once again led the global transfer market in 2026, with clubs making significant investments in top talent. This summer saw four major signings exceeding 100 million, including Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, Bradley Barcola to Liverpool, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Elliot Anderson also to Manchester City, highlighting the league's financial power and ambition.
Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has vehemently rejected Barcelona's attempts to sign Julian Alvarez, accusing the Catalan club of dishonesty and stating that the Argentine forward will 'never, ever' be sold to them. This comes after Barcelona's president expressed continued interest in Alvarez.
The England football team's training equipment, including players' boots and manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical gear, was reportedly stolen in Kansas City ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia. The Football Association and local police are investigating, with two arrests already made.
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.
West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.
Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.
Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul, greeted by hundreds of fans, ahead of his expected free transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, marking a new chapter after nine successful years at Liverpool.
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.
With the transfer season having ended on Monday, here's a look at the top 10 buys in the market.
Real Madrid has announced a contract extension for Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr until June 2032, ending speculation about his future. The 26-year-old, a key player for the club, had been linked with Arsenal. This long-term deal secures one of Real's most valuable assets and follows a summer of significant squad strengthening.
UEFA's member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary managing its tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has officially signed a two-year deal with Turkish club Trabzonspor, reportedly worth 17 million euros per season. The move follows his departure from Liverpool after nine successful years, during which he won multiple titles. Salah's transfer includes a share from merchandise sales and performance-based bonuses, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence as the hunted, facing heightened expectations and a reshaped league featuring new managers, major departures and ambitious rivals challenging their supremacy.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he wants to see greater hunger and a desire to improve from his players as he prepares for his first Premier League season in charge.
Football legends Thierry Henry, David Beckham, and Rivaldo have lauded Lionel Messi's extraordinary performance in Argentina's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, with Henry stating Messi is 'not human' for his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.
From losing his father to terrorism and watching conflict tear apart his family, to nearly abandoning football before leading Iraq back to the World Cup, Aymen Hussein has overcome obstacles that would have broken many others.
Featuring Neymar, Coutinho, Dembele, Pogba, Bale...
England have suffered a theft of training equipment ahead of their arrival in Kansas City, local police said, after a vehicle transporting the gear to their World Cup base was broken into.
Chelsea have been fined a record total of 10.75 million pounds ($14.3 million) for historical breaches of the Premier League's regulations, the league said on Monday.
Former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp shared a humorous exchange with France captain Kylian Mbappe after France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final, joking about Mbappe's prolific scoring and calling him a 'detector'.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of 93 million pounds ($131.86 million) on a six-year deal. A look at the 10 biggest transfers in football history.
Lionel Messi's family has confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, 68, is receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health issue. They stated he is recovering well and responding positively to treatment, while also expressing frustration over media speculation and requesting privacy for the family during this time. The statement follows emotional scenes involving Lionel Messi during a recent World Cup match, which he later clarified were unrelated to football but due to difficult personal days.
The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.
Man Utd sign Mount from Chelsea on five-year deal
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has dropped Enzo Fernandez for two matches after the midfielder publicly cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Australian police helped two more members of the Iranian women's football delegation slip their minders to claim asylum, but one has changed her mind and decided to go back to Iran.
