News for 'spanish football'

Rafa Mir Convicted: Spanish Footballer Gets 8.5 Years For Sexual Assault

Rafa Mir Convicted: Spanish Footballer Gets 8.5 Years For Sexual Assault

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and assault causing injury by a court in Valencia. The verdict, which can be appealed, follows a complaint filed in September 2024 and highlights the sensitive issue of women's rights in Spanish sports.

Messi expands football empire, becomes majority owner of Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Messi expands football empire, becomes majority owner of Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Lionel Messi has become majority owner of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, adding his second Spanish football club this year as the struggling side battles relegation.

Football icon Gerard Pique invests in Global Chess League franchise

Football icon Gerard Pique invests in Global Chess League franchise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

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.

Real Madrid's Vinicius apologises after red card for hair pull

Real Madrid's Vinicius apologises after red card for hair pull

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr has apologised to his teammates and fans after receiving a red card for pulling an opponent's hair during their 1-0 win over Villarreal, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.

Lionel Messi set to buy Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense

Lionel Messi set to buy Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

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).

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Morocco and Spain are locked in a high-stakes contest to host the 2030 World Cup final, with FIFA yet to officially decide the venue for football's showpiece.

Four-match ban for Vinicius Jr after hair-pulling red card, Clasico among games missed

Four-match ban for Vinicius Jr after hair-pulling red card, Clasico among games missed

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Vinicius Jr received a four-match suspension for hair-pulling and referee protests, ruling the Real Madrid forward out of the October 25 Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Mourinho damaged Spanish football: Iniesta

Mourinho damaged Spanish football: Iniesta

Rediff.com9 Jun 2013

Jose Mourinho did more harm than good to Spanish football during his controversial three-year tenure as coach of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal details the hidden and blatant racism he faces

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal details the hidden and blatant racism he faces

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal revealed he has experienced racism thousands of times, highlighting both overt abuse and unconscious bias while maintaining that such disrespect will not disrupt his focus during matches.

Kerala's Lamine Yamal Lookalike: 15-Year-Old Allen James From Kollam Is A Social Media Star

Kerala's Lamine Yamal Lookalike: 15-Year-Old Allen James From Kollam Is A Social Media Star

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A 15-year-old boy from Kollam, Allen James, has become a social media sensation due to his striking resemblance to Spanish football star Lamine Yamal.

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Spanish police investigate Islamophobic chants during Spain vs Egypt friendly, drawing condemnation from government and football authorities over racism in stadiums.

Spanish football coach dies of coronavirus aged 21

Spanish football coach dies of coronavirus aged 21

Rediff.com17 Mar 2020

Francisco Garcia passed away after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, having been sent to the Regional Hospital of Malaga for treatment. When the manager arrived at the facility, it was also found out that he was also suffering from leukemia.

Badosa's inspiring comeback leads to new Laureus role

Badosa's inspiring comeback leads to new Laureus role

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa has been announced as a Laureus Ambassador, reinforcing her long-standing connection with the movement. Badosa expressed her honour and shared a message of perseverance for young participants in Laureus programmes worldwide, while tennis legend Martina Navratilova welcomed her to the Laureus family.

Leeds, Inter, Roma, Betis Shine in European Football Leagues

Leeds, Inter, Roma, Betis Shine in European Football Leagues

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo secures 25% of Spanish side Almeria

Cristiano Ronaldo secures 25% of Spanish side Almeria

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his footprint in football, securing a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almeria, representatives confirmed on Thursday.

PIX: Bizarre return for Spanish football after COVID-19 hiatus

PIX: Bizarre return for Spanish football after COVID-19 hiatus

Rediff.com11 Jun 2020

Rayo Vallecano beat Albacete 1-0 on Wednesday as Spanish football returned in bizarre circumstances from its COVID-19 hiatus with the second half of a match that first kicked off six months ago but was suspended due to offensive chanting. The second division encounter, played without fans in attendance, was the first Spanish football match to take place since March after all soccer was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain's young football star Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, spoke about football's power to foster integration and unity ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, while also sharing light-hearted moments about his family and personal milestones.

Fernandes: 'No divisions' in Portugal squad after Ronaldo exit

Fernandes: 'No divisions' in Portugal squad after Ronaldo exit

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Bruno Fernandes has spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo and dismissed suggestions of a rift within the Portugal squad following Ronaldo's abrupt departure from the national team's training camp, emphasising that Ronaldo remains a national symbol.

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Gouramangi Singh Targets Winning ISL Start

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Gouramangi Singh Targets Winning ISL Start

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Former teammates Gouramangi Singh and Clifford Miranda meet in opposing dugouts as FC Goa take on Chennaiyin FC at Fatorda in the ISL opener on Saturday.

Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp: Jesus, FPF chief chase him to airport

Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp: Jesus, FPF chief chase him to airport

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen, plunging his international future into doubt, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged tensions between them. Ronaldo stated he would reveal the reasons for his departure 'in due course'.

Yamal Makes Barcelona History at Just 19

Yamal Makes Barcelona History at Just 19

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Lamine Yamal, at just 19 years and 58 days old, has become the youngest captain in Barcelona's history during a Champions League match against Feyenoord, surpassing Bojan Krkic's previous record.

ISL 2026-27 Kicks Off With New Hope: Bengaluru FC Take On Delhi In Opener

ISL 2026-27 Kicks Off With New Hope: Bengaluru FC Take On Delhi In Opener

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Indian Super League 2026-27 season is set to begin with renewed optimism after a turbulent previous season.

Mbappe reflects on Zidane's stunning journey from childhood idol to France coach

Mbappe reflects on Zidane's stunning journey from childhood idol to France coach

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Kylian Mbappe describes Zinedine Zidane becoming his France coach as "like something out of a movie," completing a remarkable journey that began with Zidane guiding him toward Real Madrid.

Champions League: PSG down Man City, Real Madrid edge past Roma

Champions League: PSG down Man City, Real Madrid edge past Roma

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Paris St Germain defeated Manchester City 4-2 in a thrilling Champions League encounter, with a dominant first-half performance. The match took place amidst scrutiny over City's financial breaches. Erling Haaland set a new record as the fastest player to reach 60 Champions League goals. Other notable results included Liverpool's 6-3 win over LASK, Aston Villa's 6-0 victory against Fenerbahce, and Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback against AS Roma.

Paredes speaks out after FIFA hands him 10-match ban

Paredes speaks out after FIFA hands him 10-match ban

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has labelled his 10-match ban, imposed by FIFA following an altercation with Spanish players after the World Cup final, as 'excessive' and believes it can be reduced upon appeal.

Rocafonda's Pride: Lamine Yamal's Journey To World Cup Final

Rocafonda's Pride: Lamine Yamal's Journey To World Cup Final

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

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.

Messi Retires! The Milestones That Defined His International Career

Messi Retires! The Milestones That Defined His International Career

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career marked by numerous club and international accolades, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup title.

FIFA World Cup Final Concern: Can Yamal Be Ready in Time?

FIFA World Cup Final Concern: Can Yamal Be Ready in Time?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately from the main squad in New Jersey as a precautionary measure ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, with both players expected to be available.

Rodri's Ibiza Photo Sparks Hilarious Reactions

Rodri's Ibiza Photo Sparks Hilarious Reactions

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Manchester City midfielder Rodri's holiday photo from Ibiza went viral, drawing comparisons to the 'distracted boyfriend' meme.

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.

Spanish football facing 'financial disaster'

Spanish football facing 'financial disaster'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2009

A financial disaster could engulf Spanish professional football unless action is taken to prevent profligate clubs slipping deeper into debt, according to the president of top-flight club Osasuna. Clubs that lack the vast earning power of Real Madrid and Barcelona have been living beyond their means for too long and the economic model they use is badly flawed, president Francisco Izco said.

How Spain Threw a Party for Their World Champions...

How Spain Threw a Party for Their World Champions...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team celebrated their second World Cup victory with a massive parade through Madrid, drawing nearly two million ecstatic fans. The players, fresh from their 1-0 win over Argentina, were also greeted by King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised their achievement and looked forward to future successes.

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

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.

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens all secured victories in their opening Champions League matches.

Lionel Messi Donates 80,000 Euros Towards Madrid Wildfire Reconstruction

Lionel Messi Donates 80,000 Euros Towards Madrid Wildfire Reconstruction

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Football superstar Lionel Messi has contributed 80,000 euros to support the reconstruction efforts in Madrid's Sierra Oeste region, which was severely impacted by recent devastating wildfires.

SEE: Inside Spain's Wild Dressing Room Celebration

SEE: Inside Spain's Wild Dressing Room Celebration

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team celebrated wildly in their dressing room after defeating France 2-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup final. The team's official social media shared a video of the joyous moments, highlighting their unity and confidence as they aim for another World Cup title.

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team, La Roja, has reached their second World Cup final, sparking widespread celebrations across the country. Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, along with the Spanish Royal Family, extended their congratulations, highlighting the national unity and pride surrounding this historic achievement.