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.