Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:45 AM ET

Guardiola Exit and Manchester City's Future

Pep Guardiola announced he is leaving Manchester City after nearly a decade of sustained success, sending shockwaves through the football world. The Spaniard, who won the Champions League in 2023, has confirmed that the 2025-26 season will be his last at the club, marking the end of an era that has defined the Premier League. Guardiola refused to advise the club on his successor, stating that the next manager must be allowed to bring their own identity to the team and that City cannot simply "copy and paste" his style. He also revealed his biggest regret was not giving Joe Hart a chance to prove himself earlier in his tenure. Meanwhile, successor discussions are already underway, with Sky Sports reporting that the new boss must be himself, a clear signal that the club is looking for a distinctive managerial profile rather than a direct replacement.

Bayern Munich and German Cup Glory

Harry Kane scored a hat trick in the German Cup final as Bayern Munich defeated Stuttgart 3-0, lifting their 21st DFB-Pokal trophy and their first since 2020. Kane's performance improved his season tally to 61 goals, continuing his remarkable campaign under new coach Vincent Kompany. The victory capped a dominant season for Bayern, though coach Thomas Olé could be without Manuel Neuer for the World Cup, as the veteran goalkeeper suffered a calf injury that will see him miss the final. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed Neuer's place in Germany's World Cup squad remains secure.

Barcelona's European Triumph and Champions League Final

Barcelona won their fourth Women's Champions League title with a convincing 4-0 victory over OL Lyonnes, securing their place in the history books. This victory in the UWCL final followed last season's near-miss, as they now look to defend their crown. Back in the men's game, the stage is set for the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged TNT Sports to make the final free-to-air, arguing it is a major sporting event that deserves a wider audience. Barcelona's men will look to build on their previous final win against Lyon, a matchup that has become a recurring theme in European football.

Premier League and Transfer Gossip

With the Premier League season ending, the spotlight is on final-week drama and transfer activity. Bruno Fernandes was named Player of the Season after a year of consistent brilliance, while the final round of fixtures has placed enormous pressure on teams like Tottenham and West Ham. In the transfer market, Manchester United are eyeing a cut-price deal for AC Milan's Rafael Leao, with the Italian club reportedly ready to let him leave for a reduced fee. Elsewhere, Rangers are interested in Hearts' captain Shankland as Celtic's Martin O'Neill prepares for a potential meeting with a major shareholder. Scottish football is also buzzing after Girona were relegated from La Liga just a year after their historic Champions League campaign, a fall that has stunned Spanish football.

Championship Promotion and Relegation

Hull City sealed their promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley, ending their exile from the top flight. Owner Acun Ilicali threatened legal action if Middlesbrough were to be reinstated in the play-offs, while Oli McBurnie's winning goal sent a message to Scotland's manager. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, made unwanted history by becoming the first club to miss three promotion chances in a single season. In the Women's Super League, Charlton Athletic reached the WSL for the first time thanks to Sophie Whitehouse's penalty heroics, while Leicester City were relegated from the WSL after a five-year stint in the top flight. Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers aim to end their second-tier exile in Sunday's League One play-off final at Wembley.

Celtic and Scottish Football

Celtic completed a domestic double under Martin O'Neill, winning the Scottish Cup to go alongside their league title. O'Neill's future remains a talking point after leading the club to unprecedented success, with speculation that he could stay beyond his initial short-term role. Daizen Maeda is expected to leave Celtic this summer after his final goal in the cup final, while Rangers coach Leanne Crichton seeks a title win in her debut season in the SWPL. The Scottish football calendar is also watching Leao's potential move to Manchester United and the ongoing saga surrounding Middlesbrough's promotion failure.

Other Developments

João Félix won the Saudi Pro League player award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, cementing his reputation as one of the league's top performers. Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed his departure from Real Madrid at the end of the season, marking the end of his 13-year career at the Bernabéu. In a sign of football's growing global appeal, Liga MX is being touted as the biggest opportunity in global sports by one club owner, with American investors taking a keen interest. Former Liverpool legend Andy Robertson departed as a legend after nine years, while Mohamed Salah is set to leave as a Merseyside icon after a nine-year spell. Manchester United's summer plans are also in focus, with Carrick not planning a break after his recent turnaround and Howe targeting a finish above Sunderland.