FIFA, Institute for Voices of Liberty, Iran
25 May 2026

FIFA has been threatened with legal action in the United States over reported plans to ban the pre-revolutionary Iran flag at World Cup venues. The Institute for Voices of Liberty has demanded written assurances from football’s governing body.

The group argues the flag is protected symbolic speech in California and the wider United States. FIFA’s venue guidance reportedly treats the flag as political, while Iran’s federation has pushed for respect of its official national flag.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Fanatics Collect, Panini
24 May 2026

A rare Cristiano Ronaldo 1-of-1 Panini Kaboom trading card has sold privately for $1.35 million. The sale set a new record for a Ronaldo card and became one of football’s biggest memorabilia transactions.

The 2018 card shows Ronaldo during his Juventus spell and was sold through Fanatics Collect. It ranks behind a $1.5 million Lionel Messi rookie card but above a $1.33 million Pele rookie card.

Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, Enrique Riquelme
25 May 2026

Jose Mourinho’s expected Real Madrid return has reportedly been delayed by the club’s presidential election. A verbal agreement is said to be in place, but Florentino Perez must first deal with Enrique Riquelme’s challenge.

The political fight at the Bernabeu has shifted attention away from the managerial announcement. Mourinho is reportedly waiting for Perez to secure his mandate before the club confirms the next major change in the dugout.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Igor Thiago
24 May 2026

Erling Haaland won his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons after scoring 27 goals in 35 league appearances. The Manchester City striker joined Alan Shearer and Harry Kane as a three-time winner.

Haaland missed City’s final-day defeat by Aston Villa but still finished five goals clear of Brentford’s Igor Thiago. Only Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry now have more Golden Boot wins in Premier League history.

Alexia Putellas, Barcelona, OL Lyonnes
24 May 2026

Alexia Putellas was named Women’s Champions League Player of the Season after leading Barcelona to their fourth European title. She finished the campaign with seven goals and seven assists across 11 appearances.

Putellas reclaimed the award after Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 final win over OL Lyonnes in Oslo. Her 14 direct goal contributions were the most in the competition, ending Aitana Bonmati’s three-year streak.

Antonio Conte, Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis
24 May 2026

Antonio Conte confirmed he will leave Napoli this summer, one year after guiding the club to the Serie A title. Napoli finished second this season and failed to reach the Champions League knockout phase.

Conte said the decision was his and called Napoli home after two intense seasons. He had nearly left last summer before staying, but injuries, inconsistency and a disappointing European campaign ended his time at the club.

Juventus, Torino, Derby della Mole
24 May 2026

Juventus’ derby against Torino was delayed by more than an hour after violent clashes between rival ultras before kick-off. One Juventus supporter was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a blunt object.

Reports said fireworks, bottles and stones were thrown as tensions escalated outside the stadium. Juventus ultras demanded the match be postponed and threatened disruption before the fixture eventually went ahead after a late safety delay.

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool, Arne Slot, Andy Robertson
24 May 2026

Mohamed Salah delivered a farewell message to Liverpool team-mates before his final appearance for the club against Brentford. The forward reflected on his legacy and warned players about the pressure of representing Liverpool.

Salah spoke during a training-ground presentation alongside Andy Robertson, who is also leaving. Arne Slot praised his influence, while the squad prepared for an emotional Anfield send-off after a difficult but title-winning season.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo
24 May 2026

Lionel Messi has reportedly reached billionaire status, joining Cristiano Ronaldo among the richest athletes in world sport. His net worth has passed $1 billion through salary, bonuses, endorsements, investments and commercial partnerships.

A Bloomberg analysis credited Messi’s career earnings, sponsorship deals and off-field assets for the milestone. His move to Inter Miami also expanded his business profile, adding club-linked opportunities and commercial growth beyond his playing contract.

Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, Underdog Global Partners
24 May 2026

A U.S.-led consortium has reportedly made a €2 billion offer to buy Napoli from the De Laurentiis family. Napoli are not officially for sale, but talks have continued around a possible takeover plan.

Underdog Global Partners is said to be leading the approach, with plans involving football, basketball and stadium redevelopment. De Laurentiis has owned Napoli since 2004 and would make one of sport’s largest ownership profits.