Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 5:43 PM ET

FA Cup Final & Manchester City

Manchester City claimed their third consecutive FA Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, sealing a domestic double that cements their place in English football history. January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi proved the difference in a tense final, with the former's "incredible" winning goal sparking scenes of jubilation among the blue half of Manchester. Pep Guardiola declared the FA Cup final would not be his last visit to Wembley as speculation surrounding his future continues to grow, while also revealing his players would not be allowed "even one beer" to celebrate as attention immediately turns to the crucial Premier League run-in.

The result has significant implications for European qualification, with the top eight in the Premier League now set to qualify for continental competition — and sixth place potentially securing Champions League football.

Women's Super League

Manchester City celebrated their Women's Super League title in style with a 4-1 win over West Ham, signing off their league campaign as worthy champions. Khadija "Bunny" Shaw scored twice to take her season tally to an remarkable 21 goals, saying her "home is in Manchester" when quizzed on her future in a cryptic message to supporters. The England striker leads an eight-strong shortlist for the WSL Player of the Season award.

However, it was an end of an era for several WSL stars as Katie McCabe became the latest high-profile player to announce her departure, joining a list that includes Bright, Kerr, Mead and others moving on. Sam Kerr bid farewell to Chelsea with a stunning winner against Manchester United in her final game for the club, though the Australian's goal was not enough to prevent Chelsea finishing third. Alessia Russo's double secured second place for Arsenal in their 3-1 win at Liverpool.

Scottish Title Race

Celtic dramatically retained the Scottish Premiership title in breathtaking fashion, chasing Hearts for eight months, 32 games and 2,880 on-field minutes before finally catching them in the season's dying embers. The 3-1 victory at Celtic Park — secured after 48 hours of intense drama — prompted Martin O'Neill to declare the club had given him "reasons to live," though the 74-year-old remains uncertain whether he will stay on beyond this season.

The aftermath was marred by controversy as Hearts described the post-match pitch invasion as "shameful," "unacceptable" and "disgraceful," with players and staff reporting "serious physical and verbal abuse." The club stated that "the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium" forced them to leave Celtic Park immediately after the final whistle. Hearts — who missed out on a first title since 1960 — can still look forward to European football and the financial benefits that brings, with Tony Bloom's data analytics operation aiming to ensure this is not a one-off title challenge.

European Club Drama

Cristiano Ronaldo's wait for a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia continues after his Al Nassr side were beaten 1-0 by Japan's Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. The defeat represents a significant blow to Saudi football's ambitions of establishing themselves as an Asian powerhouse.

In the Bundesliga, St. Pauli and Heidenheim were relegated on a dramatic final day, while Wolfsburg grabbed the final survival spot. Stuttgart's qualification for the Champions League was confirmed as the relegation battle reached its thrilling conclusion.

Managerial Movements

Xabi Alonso has agreed to become Chelsea's next permanent head coach on a four-year deal, ending speculation linking him to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will replace the interim manager and looks set to implement his tactical philosophy at Stamford Bridge.

At Real Madrid, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa said he would be "very happy" if José Mourinho replaced him, adding the Portuguese coach would be "one of us" at the Bernabéu. The situation remains fluid with Kylian Mbappé revealing he was told he was the club's "fourth-choice forward" after being benched and booed by fans.

Michael Carrick has agreed a two-year deal to remain Manchester United head coach after guiding the club back to Champions League qualification, with the 44-year-old now included on the Premier League Manager of the Season shortlist after just 15 league matches in charge.

World Cup Squads & Injuries

Robert Lewandowski announced he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to his spell at Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt will miss the World Cup with the Netherlands after undergoing back surgery that will keep him sidelined until the start of the 2026-27 season.

Romelu Lukaku was included in Belgium's World Cup squad despite injury woes, while Wilfried Zaha was notably omitted from Ivory Coast's squad. South Korea captain Son Heung-min was picked for his fourth World Cup this summer.

Premier League Drama

Aston Villa secured Champions League qualification at Liverpool's expense with a 4-2 demolition that left Arne Slot's side "taken to the cleaners." The Liverpool manager admitted his side "crumbled" during the defeat, with Jamie Carragher believing the club has "far too many weak players" in their squad.

Mohamed Salah has declared Liverpool must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" after a trophyless season, with the Egyptian's outburst keeping the pressure on manager Arne Slot. However, the Dutchman believes he has "every reason to believe" he will be in charge next season.

Transfer Gossip

Liverpool are eyeing RB Leipzig duo Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa, while Newcastle remain firm on Anthony Gordon's valuation amid interest. Marcos Senesi will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires, and Seamus Coleman will end his 17-year Everton playing career at season's end.