FOOTBALL

Mourinho Returns as Benfica Boss Ahead of English Reunions

Jose Mourinho
September 2025

Jose Mourinho is set to be appointed Benfica head coach on a two-year deal, returning to where his managerial journey began. His new adventure kicks off with high-profile Champions League trips to Chelsea and Newcastle, sparking early reunions with old Premier League stomping grounds. The 62-year-old replaces Bruno Lage and immediately faces familiar faces. Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park will reignite memories of his Chelsea and Manchester United reigns, while later clashes with Real Madrid add more intrigue. Benfica gain both a sporting challenge and a globally magnetic storyline.

Chelsea’s Return to Champions League Ends in Defeat

Chelsea
September 2025

Chelsea’s Champions League return ended in a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Despite Cole Palmer’s stunning goal, Enzo Maresca’s side couldn’t capitalise, falling to Kane’s double and a Chalobah own goal at the Allianz Arena. Chelsea started brightly but conceded when Chalobah diverted Olise’s cross into his own net. After Caicedo’s foul led to Kane’s penalty, Palmer responded with a curler. Bayern sealed it after Malo Gusto’s error let Kane finish again, punishing Chelsea’s defensive lapses.

Forest Collapse Fuels Mockery of Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest)
September 2025

Nottingham Forest fans ridiculed Ange Postecoglou after his side threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Swansea in the Carabao Cup. It was Postecoglou’s second defeat in two games since replacing Nuno Espírito Santo as Forest boss. Igor Jesus scored twice to give Forest control, but Cameron Burgess and Zan Vipotnik struck late before Burgess added a 97th-minute winner. The collapse, echoing Postecoglou’s poor season at Spurs, left supporters questioning whether his arrival was the right call.

Salah Sets Historic Milestone in Liverpool Thriller

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
September 2025

Mohamed Salah made Champions League history in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, becoming the first player to score and assist within the opening six minutes of a tie for an English club, while also marking his 250th goal in English football. Salah assisted Andy Robertson’s opener, then weaved through defenders to score past Jan Oblak. His 74th Champions League game for Liverpool also saw him surpass Steven Gerrard on the club’s all-time European appearances list. Only Jamie Carragher remains ahead with 80.

Kane Breaks Champions League Record in Bayern Win

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

Harry Kane fired a brace as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 in their Champions League opener. His goals took him past David Beckham, making him the most prolific English player in Champions League history with 53 goal contributions. Kane converted a penalty after being fouled by Moisés Caicedo, then slotted home from Serge Gnabry’s assist. With Chalobah’s own goal also on the sheet, Bayern cruised. Kane’s record cements him as one of England’s greatest European performers.

Schuster Warns Ter Stegen: Leave Barca or Miss 2026 World Cup

Barcelona
September 2025

Bernd Schuster urged Marc-André ter Stegen to leave Barcelona if he wants to play at the 2026 World Cup. Demoted to third choice under Hansi Flick, the German keeper’s Camp Nou future looks bleak amid disciplinary clashes and ongoing injury recovery. Ter Stegen resisted Barca’s push to leave, even refusing medical paperwork that delayed Joan Garcia’s registration. Stripped of his captaincy, he later relented. Schuster insists Julian Nagelsmann will only select him if he plays regularly, making a transfer vital for his international career.

Rabiot Exit Still Haunts Marseille After Dressing Room Brawl

Adrien Rabiot (Ac Milan)
September 2025

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia admitted regret over Adrien Rabiot’s chaotic exit after a fight with teammate Jonathan Rowe. The bust-up left a youngster unconscious, leading to suspensions and transfers. Rabiot has since joined AC Milan, ending weeks of controversy. Benatia blamed Rabiot’s entourage for complicating reconciliation attempts but hinted at lingering affection for the player. The saga overshadowed Marseille’s season start, with president Pablo Longoria branding the incident “unheard of.” Coach Roberto De Zerbi hasn’t ruled out a future return.

PSG Plot Shock Move for Barca Icon Alexia Putellas

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
September 2025

PSG are preparing a record-breaking bid to sign Alexia Putellas by triggering her release clause before Friday’s transfer deadline. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner remains contracted until 2026 but is seen as untouchable by Barcelona, who refuse to negotiate.
How: PSG are reportedly ready to surpass her Barca salary and make her the highest-paid player in women’s football. However, Putellas has publicly reaffirmed loyalty to Barcelona, where she has scored 212 goals and sees herself finishing her career.

United Post Record £666.5m Revenue Despite Worst Season in 51 Years

Manchester United
September 2025

Manchester United announced record revenues of £666.5m despite finishing 15th last season and losing the Europa League final. Commercial growth, spearheaded by a record Snapdragon deal, helped offset reduced player wages and cost-cutting that included 200 staff redundancies. Commercial income rose 10% while operational costs fell, boosting EBITDA to £182.8m — the highest in Europe since COVID. While hailed as proof of resilience, critics note cuts came at human cost, with redundancies branded “restructuring.” Champions League absence remains a financial drag.

Barcelona Lose Yamal for Newcastle Clash as Flick Slams Spain FA

Hansi Flick
September 2025

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of the Champions League opener against Newcastle with a pubic bone injury. Flick accused Spain’s national team of overplaying him while injured, sparking a war of words with the Spanish federation. Flick said Spain forced Yamal to play with painkillers, worsening his injury. Barca now expect him back by October 1 against PSG. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, has returned to training and could feature against Newcastle despite recent gluteal discomfort.