Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 8:51 AM ET

Premier League Season Finale: Survival and Celebration

The final day of the Premier League delivered dramatic survival stories and championship celebrations as Tottenham escaped relegation on the final day, avoiding the humiliation of dropping to the Championship after a season that saw them among the world's 10 richest clubs. West Ham's relegation confirmed despite a 3-0 win over Leeds, ending their 14-year stay in the top flight, while Arsenal lifted the trophy for the first time in 22 years with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Liverpool secured Champions League qualification with a 1-1 draw against Brentford, despite Mohamed Salah coming within the width of a post of scoring a spectacular farewell goal at Anfield. The final day also saw Sunderland complete their Premier League return with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, securing a Europa League spot just one year after promotion.

Liverpool's Farewell and Transformation

A golden era at Liverpool came to an end as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both departed the club, with the Egyptian forward admitting he "cried more than in his whole life" during his final Liverpool appearance. Robertson left after nine years while Salah expressed his pride at "winning it all" at Anfield. The departures raise questions for manager Arne Slot as Liverpool secured Champions League qualification a year after winning the title, ending a season where they crept over the line rather than dominating as expected.

European Qualification and Manager Changes

Bournemouth achieved European qualification under manager Andoni Iraola, who signed off after taking the Cherries into Europe. Meanwhile, AC Milan failed to secure Champions League qualification despite a strong season, leading to major transfer changes as they look to bounce back. Antonio Conte confirmed his departure from Napoli, one year after winning Serie A, while Cesc Fabregas helped Como book a Champions League spot in an improbable end to the Serie A season.

International Team News and Concerns

Lionel Messi left the field in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia, grabbing his left thigh as soccer fans hold their breath about potential injury concerns ahead of international tournaments. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man World Cup squad featuring Lamine Yamal but without any Real Madrid players, while Iran moved their World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico after getting FIFA approval. The USMNT faces concerns about key players potentially missing this summer's tournament, with manager Mauricio Pochettino set to announce his 26-man squad on June 11.

Transfer Market and Club Futures

West Ham faces an uncertain future after relegation, with Nuno Espirito Santo in talks with the club's hierarchy regarding his position. Manchester United targets West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Atalanta's Éderson, while Christian Pulisic debuted AC Milan's new kit with the club targeting a Champions League return. Rangers agreed a deal for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, subject to a medical, which would take the Scotland striker to Ibrox. Chelsea will be "a real threat" next season after failing to qualify for Europe, according to former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who also offered his brutal final day verdict on West Ham's relegation and Tottenham's escape.

Memorabilia and Individual Recognition

Cristiano Ronaldo's green, 1-of-1 numbered 2018 Panini Kaboom card sold privately for $1.35 million via a Fanatics Collect private sale. Barcelona's Alexia Putellas was named the UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season, while Ross Smith secured his maiden European Tour title with an 8-3 victory over Ryan Searle in the International Darts Open final. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton revealed he 'loved' hunting down Max Verstappen before making a late pass to claim his best result for Ferrari by finishing second in the Canadian Grand Prix.