Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 2:49 PM ET

Premier League Final Day Drama

Arsenal crowned champions after a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, securing their first Premier League title in 22 years with Martin Odegaard lifting the trophy in emotional scenes. Liverpool confirmed Champions League qualification with a 1-1 draw against Brentford, marking Mohamed Salah's final Anfield appearance before his move to Al-Ittihad, while Andy Robertson also bid farewell after nine years at the club. The emotional farewell saw Salah assist the equalizer but miss a spectacular late chance, yet still depart as a Liverpool legend after 9 years and 339 appearances. Sunderland completed their remarkable rise by defeating Chelsea 2-1 to secure Europa League qualification just one year after promotion from League One, with Trai Hume's goal helping the club reach Europe four years after playing in the third tier.

Managerial Exits and Club Turmoil

Antonio Conte confirmed his Napoli departure on Sunday, leaving the Serie A champions after two successful seasons that delivered the Scudetto, while AC Milan sacked Massimiliano Allegri following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, which the club hierarchy labeled an "unequivocal failure." Tottenham avoided relegation on the final day but face a massive summer rebuild after a season Gary Neville branded "pathetic," with the club admitting "football success had not been driving our decisions" in an open letter to supporters. West Ham's 14-year Premier League stay ended with relegation despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds, as Nuno Espirito Santo meets with club hierarchy about his future amid rumors he will leave the club.

World Cup Concerns and Squad Announcements

Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in the 72nd minute with a left thigh injury, sparking concern among Argentina fans as the World Cup approaches, with the star forward heading straight to the locker room after clutching his thigh. Spain named their 26-man World Cup squad featuring Lamine Yamal but notably excluding any Real Madrid players, while Iran moved their World Cup training base to Mexico after the United States refused to host them, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum approving the arrangement. The USMNT will announce their World Cup roster on Tuesday, with Mauricio Pochettino facing difficult decisions on snubs for the tournament.

European Competitions and Transfers

AC Milan unveiled their new home kit for the 2026-27 season with Christian Pulisic front and center as the club targets a Champions League return, while Cesc Fabregas guided Como to Champions League qualification with a dramatic final-day victory that saw AC Milan fall out of the top four. Bournemouth secured European qualification under Andoni Iraola, who signed off after writing a new chapter at the club, while Brighton achieved European qualification as a remarkable accomplishment according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. Chelsea missed out on European competition after their loss to Sunderland, but Wayne Rooney suggested this absence could make them a threat next season.

Women's Football and Domestic Cups

Barcelona's Alexia Putellas was named UWCL Player of the Season while Lyon's Lily Yohannan took the Revelation award, as the Women's Champions League concluded with individual honors. Utah Royals surprised everyone by soaring to the top of the NWSL standings, while Hearts completed their SWPL title triumph under Eva Olid, who departs after a five-year transformation of the team. Second division side Torreense stunned holders Sporting to win the Portuguese Cup with a 2-1 extra-time victory, completing one of the competition's biggest upsets.

Lower League and International Updates

Notts County sealed promotion to League One after 11 years away, defeating Salford 3-0 at Wembley in the playoff final, while Bolton returned to the Championship after seven years with a 4-1 victory over Stockport at the same venue. Girona were relegated from La Liga just one season after their Champions League campaign, highlighting the competitive nature of Spanish football. Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the African Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate win over Morocco's AS FAR, securing their second continental title.

Transfer Market and Kit Controversies

Manchester United target West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Atalanta's Ederson in a double midfield swoop, while the club is in advanced talks for the Brazilian midfielder. Liverpool's new kit design deliberately does not match between shirts and shorts, causing social media discussion about the intentional aesthetic choice. Cristiano Ronaldo's rare 1-of-1 card sold for $1.35 million in a private sale, underscoring the continued value of collectibles from the Portuguese star's career.

Statistical Recognition and Awards

Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League assists record with his 21st assist of the season in the final game against Brighton, while Opta's Team of the Season recognized the league's standout performers based on statistical analysis. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 3-0 German Cup final victory over Stuttgart, bringing his season tally to 61 goals across all competitions. Robert Lewandowski scored in his Barcelona farewell as the Catalan giants lost 3-1 to Valencia in their final La Liga match.