Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 5:52 AM ET

Serie A & Champions League fallout Milan’s failure to clinch a Champions League berth triggered squad overhaul, prompting the club to unveil a new home kit centred on Christian Pulisic ahead of the next campaign. Meanwhile, Como’s surprise victory, secured by Cesc Fabregas’s late goal, earned them a historic UCL place as AC Milan fell out of the top four dramatic finish. The loss also forced Milan to contemplate significant player turnover, with rumors swirling around potential exits for key figures.

Premier League final‑day drama Tottenham’s last‑day escape from relegation sparked a soul‑searching review, while West Ham’s 3‑0 win over Leeds proved insufficient to keep them up relegation confirmed. Chelsea’s 2‑1 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland sealed a Europa League spot for the Black Cats and left the Blues without European football for the first time in a decade, a scenario former striker Wayne Rooney described as turning them into a “real threat” in the domestic league optimistic outlook. Arsenal capped their title‑winning season with a 2‑1 triumph over Crystal Palace, lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years celebratory finish, while Liverpool’s 1‑1 draw with Brentford ensured Champions League qualification despite Mohamed Salah’s emotional farewell at Anfield last‑minute assist.

Individual accolades and departures Erling Haaland secured a third Premier League Golden Boot, netting 36 goals to top the scoring charts record‑breaking tally. In contrast, Liverpool bid farewell to two club legends as Salah and Andy Robertson departed after nine seasons, marking the end of an era and raising questions about the team’s future under new manager Arne Slot era closed. Manchester City’s long‑standing dominance also drew to a close with Pep Guardiola confirming his exit, warning that successors cannot simply “copy and paste” his methods final remarks.

Transfer market movements Antonio Conte announced his departure from Napoli after a title‑winning spell, confirming he will not pursue the Italy job despite speculation manager exits. In England, Manchester United identified West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Atalanta’s Ederson as primary targets, while Tottenham set sights on Paulo Dybala and Nottingham Forest eyed Hayden Hackney summer scouting. Rangers moved swiftly to secure Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland on a free transfer, a deal expected to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season player acquisition.

International stage updates Mauricio Pochettino is set to reveal the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 26‑man squad for the 2026 World Cup, amid ongoing injury concerns that could sideline key players squad preview. The injury tracker highlighted several doubts, most notably the uncertain availability of star forward Christian Pulisic and midfielder Tyler Wolff health alerts. Iran’s federation confirmed a relocation of its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, following FIFA approval logistical shift.

Domestic cup surprise Second‑division side Torreense delivered a stunning upset by defeating defending champions Sporting in the Portuguese Cup final, securing a 2‑1 victory with a late penalty in extra time giant‑killing. The win not only earned Torreense their first major trophy but also guaranteed a Europa League berth, underscoring the growing competitiveness of lower‑tier clubs in national cup competitions.

Historic memorabilia sale A one‑of‑a‑kind 2018 Panini Kaboom card featuring Cristiano Ronaldo fetched $1.35 million in a private sale, setting a new benchmark for football collectibles and reflecting the enduring market appetite for iconic player memorabilia record price.