FOOTBALL

Real Madrid Leave Mbappe Out of Spanish Super Cup Squad Under “Zero Risk” Knee Policy

Kylian Mbappe
January 2026

Real Madrid ruled Kylian Mbappe out of the entire Spanish Super Cup due to a left-knee sprain, opting not to take him to Saudi Arabia, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the travelling squad. Madrid’s medical staff and hierarchy chose a conservative plan after Mbappe played through the issue in recent weeks, deciding he will only return when fully fit and not for a short-term final.

Guardiola Backs Amorim After United Sacking and Warns Patience Is Vanishing for Coaches

Ruben Amorim
January 2026

Pep Guardiola expressed sympathy for Ruben Amorim after his Manchester United dismissal, calling him a top manager and highlighting how little time coaches now get. Guardiola cited the Premier League’s fine margins, the importance of time and process, and compared the situation to Enzo Maresca’s exit, arguing managers are hired for ideas but sacked for results.

Joao Felix Hails Cristiano Ronaldo as “Unique” and Credits Him for Raising Standards at Al-Nassr

Joao Felix
January 2026

Joao Felix said Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence and professionalism have helped make him a better player at Al-Nassr, calling him a unique talent and a daily example. Felix pointed to Ronaldo’s work rate, dedication, and performance level at age 40 as a benchmark that lifts the squad’s professionalism and motivation, as Al-Nassr chase trophies and Felix matches Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.

Martin O’Neill Returns as Celtic Interim Boss After Wilfried Nancy Sacking

Martin O’Neill
January 2026

Celtic appointed Martin O’Neill as interim manager until season end after dismissing Wilfried Nancy eight games into his contract. O’Neill returns to stabilise results and reset standards. The club moved quickly after a poor run and installed a staff group to support O’Neill, including Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus. O’Neill said his focus is restoring winning form while wishing Nancy well.

Man City Fear Long Layoff for Gvardiol After Confirmed Tibial Fracture

Josko Gvardiol
January 2026

Manchester City confirmed Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture after the Chelsea draw, raising concern he could miss a significant period. The defensive situation is compounded by other centre-back issues. Gvardiol went off early in the second half and initial signs looked minor, but medical confirmation revealed a broken right leg. City’s back line is stretched with Ruben Dias also forced off and John Stones already unavailable.

Joao Cancelo Close to Barcelona Return as Romano Gives Deal Green Light

Joao Cancelo
January 2026

Joao Cancelo is reportedly on the verge of rejoining Barcelona, with Fabrizio Romano signalling the move is effectively done. Cancelo has prioritised a Camp Nou return after a difficult spell at Al-Hilal. Reduced playing time, physical issues, and reported tensions in Saudi Arabia have opened the door for an exit, with Al-Hilal needing a foreign-player slot. Barcelona have moved ahead of Inter Milan to secure the deal.

United Players Post Farewells for Amorim as Notable Silence Draws Attention

Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo
January 2026

Multiple Manchester United players publicly thanked Ruben Amorim after his sacking, led by Bruno Fernandes, with others also posting brief messages. Reports note some notable absences from the tributes. The social posts followed an abrupt end to Amorim’s tenure after disputes with leadership became public. The farewell messages suggest squad respect for the departing staff, even as the club moved quickly to reset.

Amorim Spotted With Wife Hours After United Sacking as Exit Details Spill Out

Ruben Amorim
January 2026

Ruben Amorim was seen out walking with his wife shortly after being sacked by Manchester United, following a public clash with club leadership and the 1-1 draw with Leeds. Reports frame his exit as the end of a broken relationship with the hierarchy. Amorim’s insistence on a 3-4-3, poor results, and public complaints about control and recruitment are cited as key drivers. The dismissal is attributed to an irreparable breakdown with senior executives after he aired grievances publicly.

Thiago Silva Joins Porto at 41 in Late-Career Return to European Football

Thiago Silva
January 2026

Thiago Silva has signed a short-term contract with Porto at age 41, returning to European football after leaving Fluminense. Porto add his experience as they push for the league title and Europa League knockout rounds. Porto moved for Silva after a defensive injury to Nehuen Perez and to add leadership to a possession-focused system under Francesco Farioli. Silva’s recent workload and fitness were cited as reasons the club believes he can contribute immediately.

Manchester United Sack Amorim After Public Board Criticism Following Leeds Draw

Ruben Amorim
January 2026

Manchester United have ended Ruben Amorim’s tenure after 14 months, citing the need to maximise their league finish while sitting sixth. His exit followed public comments after the Leeds draw that were seen as criticising club leadership. Amorim’s 3-4-3 approach remained central despite squad-fit concerns, and the situation escalated after he aired frustrations publicly. United acted within 24 hours, ending the project and triggering another coaching search.