FOOTBALL

Real Madrid Sign Cucurella on Six-Year Deal

Real Madrid and Marc Cucurella
24 August 2026

Real Madrid officially unveiled Marc Cucurella after signing the Spanish left-back from Chelsea. Cucurella agreed a six-year contract running until 30 June 2032 and will wear the number 17 shirt at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.

The reported fee is around €60 million. Cucurella becomes Madrid’s fourth signing of the summer after Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, strengthening the left side of the squad before their league meeting with Real Sociedad.

Ceferin Rules Out Bid to Replace Infantino

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino
24 August 2026

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin ruled out standing to replace FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while warning that Infantino could either step down or face a challenger at the next FIFA election amid growing opposition to his leadership.

The dispute follows Infantino’s collapsed plan to seek private investment in a company running FIFA tournaments. UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC are reported to be considering a no-confidence move, while Ceferin said football support for Infantino is weakening.

Maradona Hand of God Ball Sells for £2.5m

Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup match ball and Heritage Auctions
22 August 2026

The ball used when Diego Maradona scored his famous Hand of God goal against England at the 1986 World Cup sold for $3.3 million, about £2.5 million, at a Heritage Auctions sale in the United States.

Referee Ali Bin Nasser kept the Adidas Azteca for more than three decades before selling it in 2022. The latest auction price fell well short of an expected value near $10 million, despite authentication linking it to the match.

Di Gregorio Set for Bournemouth Loan Move

Michele Di Gregorio, Juventus and Bournemouth
24 August 2026

Michele Di Gregorio is set to join Bournemouth from Juventus on loan, with the reported agreement including a €14 million option to buy. The official announcement is still awaited, but the structure of the deal has been detailed.

Bournemouth can activate the purchase option in June 2027. If the club chooses not to buy Di Gregorio, it would still owe Juventus a €1.5 million penalty, giving the Italian side a financial return even without a permanent transfer.

Gavi Escapes Serious Knee Injury After Elche Scare

Gavi and Barcelona
24 August 2026

Barcelona said medical tests on Gavi found only bruising after the midfielder suffered a worrying knee injury during the 5-0 league win at Elche. The club said there is no cause for alarm after the examinations.

Gavi was hurt during the first half of Barcelona’s season opener, prompting concern before tests were completed on Monday. The results ruled out a major problem, and Barcelona expect the midfielder to return to training shortly.

Al-Hilal Reportedly Close to Completing Watkins Deal

Al-Hilal, Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins
24 August 2026

Al-Hilal are reported to be close to finalising a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with Saudi broadcaster Waleed Al-Faraj saying the transfer is largely wrapped up. Watkins has also made clear that he wants the move.

Al-Hilal and Villa are described as being in decisive-stage negotiations as Simone Inzaghi looks to strengthen his attack. Al-Faraj said Watkins could appear for Al-Hilal against Al-Ahli on 1 September if the transfer is completed in time.

Yildiz Injury Could Require Surgery at Juventus

Kenan Yildiz and Juventus
24 August 2026

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is undergoing tests for a left-foot problem, with reports saying surgery is possible and a layoff of two to three months could follow. Tuttosport reported that the injury may be a fracture.

Yildiz complained of the problem after Juventus’ trip to Frosinone and was seen at JMedical for examinations. A prolonged absence would remove a central player from Luciano Spalletti’s plans and force Juventus to consider alternative attacking combinations.

Barcelona Condemns Police Force Against Travelling Supporters

Barcelona supporters, Barcelona and Spanish police
24 August 2026

Barcelona condemned what it called disproportionate police force against supporters before Sunday’s La Liga opener at Elche. Video showed officers using batons outside the stadium after Estelada flags were confiscated, with one Barcelona supporter detained.

The club said the force used in the detention lacked justification and argued the Estelada is a legally protected expression. Barcelona requested explanations and said it reserves the right to take further action to defend supporters’ rights and safety.

Rose Lavelle Leaves Gotham Match With Head Injury

Rose Lavelle and Gotham FC
23 August 2026

Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle left Sunday’s scoreless draw with Angel City after suffering a head injury. Her head struck the ground following a challenge, and Gotham used an official concussion substitution to replace her in the first half.

Lavelle was assessed on the field for several minutes before walking directly to the locker room. Gotham later said she was being evaluated for a head injury, while acting head coach Shaun Harris had no further medical update after the match.

Esther Gonzalez Joins Al-Qadsiah After Gotham Exit

Esther Gonzalez, Al-Qadsiah and Gotham FC
Sunday

Spain striker Esther Gonzalez has signed for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Women’s Premier League less than a month after unexpectedly leaving defending NWSL champions Gotham FC. The 33-year-old was a 2025 NWSL MVP finalist and Gotham’s leading scorer.

Gonzalez had been contracted with Gotham through 2027 before both sides mutually terminated the deal in July. The World Cup winner now joins an Al-Qadsiah side coached by former Orlando Pride assistant Giles Barnes, adding another prominent international player to Saudi women’s football.