Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:42 PM ET

Women's Football & Key Returns

Manchester City claimed the WSL title with authority, earning an A grade in season evaluations, while Chelsea's campaign landed at a modest C+. Bunny Shaw bid farewell with two decisive goals in a win over West Ham, celebrating the championship. In goal, Mary Earps is poised for a WSL return as her Paris St-Germain exit nears, ending a stint abroad.

Injuries, Absences & Comebacks

Jonathan Gjoshe was stabbed seven times in a mass train attack last November, one of 11 seriously injured passengers. Wayne Rooney may need surgery after injuring his wrist saving a shot during a BBC filming. In a brighter return, Mallory Swanson played for the first time in 18 months, coming back from maternity leave with a substitute appearance.

Managerial Carousel & Summer Plans

Chelsea moved swiftly to appoint Xabi Alonso, hoping the former midfielder can stabilize a turbulent season that ended without a trophy. Meanwhile, José Mourinho confirmed his agent is negotiating a return to Real Madrid, potentially ending his spell at Fenerbahçe. At Manchester United, Casemiro received a fond farewell as his likely departure looms, with Gary Neville identifying his replacement as a summer priority.

Match Action: Stars Align & Farewells

Bruno Fernandes tied the Premier League assist record with a 9/10 performance in Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest. Antoine Griezmann set up the winner in his final home game for Atlético Madrid, bidding an emotional goodbye after a 1-0 victory over Girona. Christian Pulisic made a decisive return from injury as a substitute in AC Milan's 2-1 win at Genoa.

Premier League's Chaotic European Race

With the title and relegation settled, nine teams are fighting for four European spots. Manchester City's FA Cup win means the top eight now all qualify for Europe, with sixth place potentially earning a Champions League berth. West Ham's relegation fears deepened after a 3-1 loss at Newcastle, leaving them needing a mathematical miracle. Brighton's European hopes took a severe hit when Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late goal gave Leeds a 1-0 win. Brentford kept their dream alive with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, saved by Dango Ouattara's two goals.

Transfer Rumors & Final Moves

Rasmus Højlund completed an emotional permanent switch to Napoli, calling his Manchester United goodbye "weird." Chelsea have shown interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, while Barcelona are aware of Villa's interest in Manchester United's on-loan Marcus Rashford. José Mourinho is pushing for Real Madrid to sign Rodri as his first signing, and Liverpool are tracking Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga.

Other Headlines: Discipline, Departures & World Cup

Neymar was furious after being wrongly substituted in Santos' loss, a day before Brazil's World Cup squad announcement. Robert Lewandowski confirmed he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr lost the AFC Champions League Two final, extending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia. Thomas Tuchel's first England squad is due Friday, with several players pushing for late call-ups, including Republic of Ireland newcomer Mason Melia who earned his first senior call-up.