Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 11:48 PM ET

Premier League: Arsenal Crowned Champions, Guardiola Departs Man City

Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years after a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with captain Martin Odegaard hoisting the trophy in scenes that defined a generation for the club. Manager Mikel Arteta guided the Gunners to the title on the back of the best defensive record the team has ever posted, a statistical dominance that made them the most deserving champions in the competition's modern era. Midfielder Declan Rice attributed a pivotal team meeting mid-season with turning the campaign around, sparking the run that delivered the trophy. Across Manchester, Pep Guardiola delivered an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium, breaking down as the magnitude of his decade-long tenure hit him around the hour mark. Guardiola warned that Manchester City cannot simply "copy and paste" his methods for a successor and declined to advise the club on who should replace him. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes capped the final day by breaking the single-season Premier League assists record, while Erling Haaland claimed the Golden Boot for the third time in his career.

Liverpool Era Ends as Salah and Robertson Say Farewell

A golden era at Liverpool drew to a close on Sunday as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson played their final matches for the club. Salah came within the width of a post of scoring a spectacular farewell goal in a 1-1 draw with Brentford, but settled for an assist that secured Champions League qualification for a third successive season. The Egyptian later said he "cried more than in my whole life" during his final appearance at Anfield, expressing pride at "winning it all" in his last game for the club. Robertson, who arrived in 2017 and became a stalwart on the left flank, confirmed he will leave at the end of the season after nine years, departing as a legend. Salah arrived at Liverpool under pressure to shake off his "Chelsea flop" tag, but nine years later he leaves as a figure who transcended the sport. Liverpool secured European football a year after winning the Champions League title, and questions now turn to boss Arne Slot and how the squad rebuilds.

Tottenham Survive, West Ham Relegated

Tottenham Hotspur avoided the humiliation of relegation only on the final day of the Premier League season, sparking soul-searching about how the club nearly dropped to the Championship. Despite the celebrations, chief football writer Phil McNulty described the season as an embarrassment that the survival party could not disguise. Gary Neville went further, branding Tottenham's campaign "pathetic" and calling on ownership to conduct a thorough review of what went wrong. The narrow escape masked a season littered with mistakes and poor performances that left fans deflated. West Ham's 14-year stay in the Premier League ended in stark contrast, with the Hammers relegated despite beating Leeds United 3-0 on the final day. Manager David Moyes' side joins a Championship packed with fallen giants, and the club now faces an uncertain future after the demotion. The stakes could not have been higher for both sides heading into the final matchday.

Bournemouth and Sunderland Cement European Spots

Andoni Iraola departed Bournemouth after taking the Cherries into Europe, describing the achievement as a way of thanking everyone connected to the club. Bournemouth secured their first European campaign in years, joining Liverpool, Sunderland, and Brighton as the final-day quartet to qualify for continental competition. Sunderland completed their remarkable return to the top flight in emphatic fashion, beating Chelsea 2-1 to confirm a Europa League spot next season. The Black Cats' rise from League One to Europe in just four years defied the odds, with Trai Hume scoring to send the club into continental competition after signing for just £200,000 in the lower tiers. Midfielder Le Bris hailed the "perfect" European qualification, one year on from the club's promotion. Chelsea, meanwhile, missed out on European football entirely, ending a season that saw them finish well below expectations.

Conte Exits Napoli, Ronaldo Card Shatters Records

Antonio Conte confirmed he is leaving Napoli this summer, departing just 12 months after winning the Serie A title with the southern club. Conte's exit ends a two-year tenure that restored Napoli as Italy's dominant force, and speculation over his next move, including links to the Italy national team, has already begun. Across the football world, Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy was underscored by the private sale of a 1-of-1 numbered 2018 Panini Kaboom card for $1.35 million, the most expensive card sale confirmed by Fanatics in recent memory. Meanwhile, Barcelona's Alexia Putellas was named UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season, adding to her growing reputation as one of the world's best.

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