Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 25, 2026, 8:38 PM ET

PFA Awards

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, while Manchester City's Bunny Shaw took the women's award for a second time. The PFA merit awards went to Liverpool and Scotland legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and Lionesses great Karen Carney for 2026. Fernandes' recognition was confirmed in a season where he has been the creative heartbeat for United, and he was also named the men's player of the year by the Professional Footballers' Association, with Shaw winning the women's award for her prolific campaign with City.

Transfer Window: Major Moves

The transfer market is heating up with just days remaining before the deadline. Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth £70m ($89m), marking a significant investment in their midfield rebuild. The Cameroon international's arrival follows United's £155m spending spree on three midfielders, and now the club must decide whether to buy a left-back before the window shuts. United are monitoring Alejandro Balde's situation at Barcelona as a potential option. The Baleba deal was also confirmed by Sky Sports as a £70m transfer from Brighton.

Nottingham Forest have agreed a club-record £50m deal to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with sources confirming the $68M agreement between the clubs. The fee is worth around £50m and represents a major statement from Forest. Tottenham have confirmed the signing of winger Savio from Manchester City in an £85m deal, with the Brazilian completing his $102M move to north London.

Nico González's transfer from Manchester City to Newcastle United has been agreed for $71M, according to sources. Aston Villa have made an approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, while Liverpool are holding fresh talks with PSG for Bradley Barcola. The papers suggest Manchester City are set for a late move for Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea line up a replacement, while Aston Villa have made an offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson.

The Álvarez Saga

Julián Álvarez finds himself at the centre of the summer's biggest transfer saga, with the Atletico Madrid forward facing a backlash from fans over his desire to leave. The Argentine has been left with two options: stay or join Arsenal before the deadline. Arsenal are ready to make a move for the striker in the final week of the window if they receive encouragement, and Atletico's interest in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson could pave the way for an exit.

Carabao Cup Action

The Carabao Cup second round delivered plenty of drama. Cardiff City's Noah Anyadike, became the youngest player in EFL Cup history after starting their 2-0 defeat against Norwich City. Callum Wilson scored just six minutes into his full debut and captain Nathan Collins converted two headers as Brentford routed Birmingham 6-1. Leeds United registered a second win at Nottingham Forest in three days to book their place in the third round.

Teenager Josh Ayala scored twice on his full professional debut as West Ham came from behind to thrash Southampton 4-1. Marcelino Nunez scored a sensational goal from the halfway line to help Ipswich claim a hard-fought 3-1 win over Leicester. Hull followed up their 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday by knocking Stoke out on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Coventry survived a Plymouth scare before easing through 4-2 at Home Park. The EFL Cup prize money structure has been explained by BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

Premier League Fallout

The first week of the Premier League season is over, and there's plenty to unpack. Arsenal's desire to defend their title will be a much tougher challenge, while Liverpool's opener under new coach Andoni Iraola looked like more of the same after last season's poor showing. The VAR review of Liverpool's penalty against Manchester United has been analysed by our resident ref Andy Davies. Gab Marcotti's Monday Musings suggest Liverpool and Man United still look half-baked, while Mourinho gets a vintage kind of win.

The nine new managerial appointments have been assessed by BBC Sport's Phil McNulty, and our Matchweek 1 overreactions cover what the opening results tell us about Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and the rest. A threadbare Aston Villa squad fell apart against Brighton, with problems mounting for Unai Emery ahead of a clash with champions Arsenal. Each Premier League club's remaining transfer needs have been examined with the window shutting in seven days. The greatest managers in Premier League history have been ranked, with 13 title-winning bosses considered for the top.

Other Transfer News

Christopher Nkunku has rejoined RB Leipzig on loan from Milan, returning to the club where he had the most prolific seasons of his career. Breel Embolo said he's excited about "a new start in my life" after his move to Atlanta United, even as people in Europe are "shocked" at his decision to join MLS. Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik says he is "capable of reaching the top" after the National League side rejected a £1.5m offer from Swedish club Djurgarden. Éderson insists he does not know what happened with his failed move to Manchester United. Xavi Hernandez said he was unfazed at being third choice for the Netherlands job as he was unveiled in his new role on Tuesday. Man City's Jack Grealish has made two substitute appearances so far this season, but his future remains in doubt. Palmeiras' Allan Elias attacks and defends down the flank all game, which is what made him so attractive to Manchester City.

Women's Football

Chelsea are going through a "transitional moment" as they rebuild for WSL and Champions League success. The Women's Champions League qualifying campaign could see Chelsea, PSG or Wolfsburg fail to make the league phase, with each one two-legged defeat from elimination. Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a successful first season under manager Martin Ho, and they're now planning to break into the WSL's elite. The Football Association has approved a divisive proposal that will see WSL academy sides play in tier three of the football pyramid from the 2027-28 season. NWSL star Temwa Chawinga has won MVPs and Golden Boots, but now she's targeting an NWSL title with her team.

International Football

The Irish Football Association says it is "time for change" at Fifa and they will not be voting for president Gianni Infantino's re-election next year. Several current and former professionals have applied further pressure on Infantino, saying "change is necessary" on social media. Samuel Eto'o has pledged his support for Infantino, and said that he does not believe the FIFA president's proposed plan to sell off part of the World Cup to private investors was wrong. Ethiopia has submitted a bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations despite lacking enough stadiums to host a 24-team tournament. Ashley Cole has left his role as England Under-21 coach after five years in the position. LASK held a silence for the 65-year-old Celtic fan who died during a Champions League match in Glasgow last week. Celtic's readiness for the Champions League under their new manager has been assessed by BBC Sport.

Other News

Leeds United and Rangers co-owner Jed York pleaded no contest to two charges in Ohio after being arrested for soliciting prostitution. York was arrested over the weekend and pleaded no contest to misdemeanour charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. Iconic rugby league player Sir Billy Boston has died aged 92. The NRL is planning an exception to its rules to allow Jai Arrow to reach the 100-game milestone for the South Sydney Rabbitohs after retiring earlier this year due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis. Chantelle Cameron is aiming for a career-best performance when she takes on Mikaela Mayer in their blockbuster main event unification bout in Birmingham on Saturday. Luke Littler's bid to qualify for the Players Championship Finals, and keep alive his hopes of claiming a historic clean sweep of PDC major titles in 2026, suffered a blow with a quarter-final exit. Amanda Vandervort will leave her position as USL Super League president "to pursue other opportunities," the United Soccer League announced on Monday. Hearts have emerged as favourites for a Faroese winger, while Celtic face competition for a midfield target in the latest Scottish transfer gossip. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team explains why Crystal Palace are wearing a white home shirt during the 2026-27 season. Besiktas have hit back at a "disgraceful" refereeing performance after Leandro Trossard was slapped in the face with no punishment dished out.

Power Rankings and Racing

Are Inter Miami officially in a slump? Can any team lay a glove on Nashville SC? All that and more in this week's edition of ESPN's MLS Power Rankings. NY Gotham FC had a disappointing 0-0 draw with Angel City, but are still top of the NWSL and also ESPN's Power Rankings. There's a busy day's racing on Tuesday with flat action from Lingfield Park, live on Sky Sports Racing, where Lazurite looks to make it third time lucky.