Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: September 12, 2026, 7:03 AM ET

Premier League Star Power

The Premier League was once a league of superstars, but Erling Haaland is now the biggest star left, raising the question of whether Haaland stands alone as the competition's only global icon after another summer of transfers drained top-tier talent from England's top flight.

Spending Power

The staggering numbers behind the Premier League's spending power over Europe continue to define the transfer market, with Barcola's big move from PSG to Liverpool highlighting another summer in which the English top flight effectively subsidizes big European leagues such as Ligue.

Manchester United

Manchester United's slow rebuild approach — prioritizing one position every summer — has left them light on defense, prompting scrutiny over whether the club made a mistake by waiting to address the back line. After eight years at Old Trafford, Diogo Dalot still has the desire to win the biggest trophies with United as another crucial derby looms, and the defender still believes in the club's future despite years of ups and downs.

Manchester City

Manchester City have brought in summer signings who are "desperate to win," and the whole squad is "buying into the idea" of new manager Enzo Maresca, according to new captain Ruben Dias, who praised the new arrivals. Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has already achieved more than most footballers at the age of, with the forward building what many describe as a lasting legacy at the club.

Chelsea and Arsenal

Chelsea are a team out of control under Xabi Alonso, raising questions about whether the chaos will continue and, more importantly, whether it will keep working for them as the new coach shapes his side. Mikel Arteta has said he is "very surprised" by criticism over Arsenal's handling of the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli this summer, with the manager defending the club against claims it mishandled the exits.

Tottenham and Milan

Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has called new arrival Mykhailo Mudryk's injury "stupid" and has backed the winger to return to action soon, describing the setback as frustrating for a player still settling in. Christian Pulisic is "upset" about not yet featuring for Milan this season, coach Ruben Amorim said Friday before hinting that the United States star is likely to get some playing time this weekend, acknowledging the forward's frustration with his bench role.

Germany and Spain

The coach of Elversberg, the small-town team shaking up German soccer, has been cleared to be in the dugout against champion Bayern Munich after a referee admitted he made a mistake sending him off, a decision that cleared the coach to face Bayern. On-loan Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono eclipsed Lionel Messi as the youngest Argentine player to score a hat trick in Europe's top five leagues, a record-breaking feat achieved with Fiorentina.

Wrexham and Transfers

Wrexham suffered their heaviest defeat under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac as West Ham ran rampant in a 6-0 rout on Friday, a crushing loss for the Welsh club. Arda Güler could reportedly extend his contract with Real Madrid, while transfer talks elsewhere continue to swirl, with the latest rumors centering on the midfielder's future.

Around Europe

Kylian Mbappé has criticised a viral meme depicting him as a dictator, saying that the trend "shows a lack of political and human awareness in people," with the forward speaking out against the depiction. San Diego Wave FC has signed Italy forward Barbara Bonansea on loan from Juventus through June 2027, the teams announced on Friday, in a move that adds attacking depth for the NWSL side.

Scottish and English Football

Celtic's Benjamin Nygren has revealed summer transfer interest as Rangers rule out a move to Saudi Arabia for Nico Raskin, with the midfielder confirming the interest in his services. Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona was questioned by some, but the England winger is already proving his worth for the free-scoring Spanish giants, having hit the ground running at his new club.

Weekend Preview

The weekend slate features major storylines, with Madrid looking to bounce back and the Manchester derby headlining the action, alongside Elversberg's clash with Bayern, as previewed in the weekend lookahead.

Golf and Racing

The Solheim Cup is tied 4-4 after the opening day, with Stark and Grant starring for Europe while Woad and Hull found trouble, leaving the competition level heading into the next session. Enceladus takes on Ballydoyle duo Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the latest renewal of the 250th St Leger at Doncaster, a historic running of the classic race.

Boxing and Tennis

Conor Benn must prove he belongs at world level in this weekend's fight against Ryan Garcia, but the WBC champion might be too fast and too sharp, according to Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson, who sees Garcia as a class above. Ben Shelton defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in an electric US Open semi-final on Friday to secure a title showdown with Alexander Zverev, with the American setting up the final and declaring, "Let's do this for the USA."