Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 5:45 AM ET

Europa League Final: Villa's Triumphant Return

Aston Villa cruised to a 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Wednesday's Europa League final in Istanbul, ending a 30-year trophy drought for the Birmingham club. Unai Emery's side controlled the match from the opening whistle, delivering what pundits are calling an elite-level performance that mirrors the manager's fifth Europa League title. Emery delivers another continental triumph The win also kept alive English hopes of securing six Champions League spots next season, a scenario that depends on Villa finishing fourth in the Premier League. Villa keeps alive six-CL-spot hopes Roads in Birmingham city centre will be closed Thursday for a victory parade as fans celebrate the first European trophy since 1982. Victory parade planned for Birmingham Meanwhile, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed he broke his finger during warm-ups before the final but played through the injury, adding a remarkable subplot to the evening's events. Martinez breaks finger then helps Villa win

Royalty, Emery, and the New Heroes

Prince William showed a range of emotions from the stands as Villa claimed their historic win, congratulating the club on what he called an amazing night. Prince William celebrates Villa's win The monarch's public support for Aston Villa has long puzzled observers, but the Europa League triumph gave the relationship a tangible payoff. Why Prince William supports Villa Emery, meanwhile, continues to defy expectations with his methodical approach, described by one analysis as built on chess preparation, meticulous lectures, and an ability to tune out noise. Emery masters Europe again Sky Sports went further, arguing that after five Europa League titles it is time to recognize Emery as an elite manager. Emery recognized as elite after fifth title BBC Sport's coverage noted that a new generation of Villa players have etched their names into the club's history books, ending what one reporter called the first trophy in a lifetime for many supporters. 'We'll go down in history' - Villa's new heroes

Southampton Spygate Deepens

The fallout from Southampton's spying scandal escalated sharply as the FA launched a formal investigation into the club's conduct, with the possibility of charges against complicit individuals now on the table. FA opens Southampton investigation Southampton's appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-offs was dismissed, meaning Hull will face Boro in the final while Middlesbrough prepare for their Wembley dream. Saints lose appeal, Hull to face Boro The club described the expulsion as "manifestly disproportionate" compared to any other sanction in English football history, while also admitting that "what happened was wrong" and apologizing to affected clubs and fans. Saints decry 'disproportionate' punishment Southampton have also criticized the decision as unacceptable despite acknowledging they breached EFL regulations. Southampton criticise play-off expulsion BBC Radio Tees noted that Middlesbrough face messy preparations after being reinstated into the final, with no clear winners emerging from the chaos. 'It's been messy' - play-off final chaos Wrexham are monitoring the situation for potential legal action. Wrexham monitor spygate for legal action

Transfer Window Activity

Barcelona are negotiating with Tottenham over center back Cristian Romero as part of their summer recruitment plans. Transfer rumors: Barcelona target Romero Inter Miami is closing in on signing Casemiro this summer, with sources confirming the Brazil midfielder is a priority target. Real Madrid are plotting a behind-the-scenes shakeup alongside José Mourinho's arrival as coach, aiming to end a two-year trophy drought. Sources: Madrid plot shakeup with Mou arrival Meanwhile, Manchester United have been revitalized under Michael Carrick, with Bruno Fernandes confirming the squad needed a change when Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. Fernandes: Man Utd needed change under Carrick Arsenal are reportedly targeting Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi after the midfielder helped seal the title. Papers: Arsenal want Junior Kroupi In France, Lyon could lose USMNT midfielder Tanner Tessmann this summer if the right offer materializes, with teams in Germany, Italy, and MLS showing interest. Lyon taking offers for Tessmann

World Cup Prep and Squad News

Neymar will miss Santos' upcoming matches due to a calf injury but is expected to join Brazil's World Cup camp next week. Neymar to miss Santos games ahead of WC He revealed he cried for hours after learning he made the Brazil squad, underscoring the emotional weight of the selection. DR Congo cancelled their World Cup training camp over fears of an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country, with the rare strain already linked to 139 deaths. Congo