Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

European Transfers and Signings

Real Madrid is reportedly set to finalize a massive $154 million deal for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Manchester City is bracing for a bid from Real Madrid for Rodri, though they are hopeful he will sign a new deal. Inter Milan is in advanced talks with England defender John Stones about a free transfer, with Stones having verbally agreed to the move despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. Leeds United is closing in on a club-record deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with reports suggesting a fee around £40 million. Celtic has agreed to a club-record fee of £11 million plus add-ons for striker Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt.

Club Kit Unveilings and Academy Investigations

Barcelona has unveiled its 2026-27 away kit, a collaboration with Kobe Bryant's signature brand. Arsenal's new away kit also made its debut, drawing inspiration from their iconic "Bruised Banana" jersey of the early 1990s. Real Madrid's new green away kit is a nod to manager José Mourinho's potential impact. In concerning news, law enforcement is investigating allegations of misconduct at the Austin FC developmental youth academy, which has already led to player expulsions and suspensions.

Managerial Moves and Player Movements

Xabi Alonso has asked for patience as his coaching era at Chelsea begins, stating he has a plan to integrate club record £117 million signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer. Jürgen Klopp, who ended his tenure with Liverpool citing fatigue, is being considered for national team roles, though questions remain about his desire to coach again. Mark van Bommel has taken over as the head coach of Belgium's national team following their World Cup quarterfinal appearance. Paolo Maldini has stepped down as Italy's technical director after only 16 days due to disagreements over the head coach appointment.

Player Transfers and Contract News

Esther González and Gotham FC have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, is reportedly signing with USL Championship expansion team Atletico Dallas. Brighton captain Maisie Symonds has signed a new long-term contract with the club. Daizen Maeda has completed his move to Ipswich Town in a £10 million deal from Celtic.

Player Performances and Milestones

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer at, scored his first goal since 2022 for Japanese third-tier side Fukushima United. Son Heung-min scored in his third consecutive match for Los Angeles FC, contributing to their 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has signed with South American club Colo Colo.

League and Tournament Previews

Chelsea is reportedly targeting experienced players like Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, and Danny Welbeck. The AIG Women's Open is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary, with Nelly Korda and Charley Hull among the contenders. Nigeria is aiming for an 11th title at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, facing Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.

Rule Trials and Innovations

English football is set to trial a crackdown on goalkeepers who appear to feign injury to disrupt play or gain tactical advantages. This trial aims to eradicate "goalkeeper tactical timeouts" in the upcoming season.

Notable Player Statements and Opinions

Kylian Mbappé expressed his disappointment after France's World Cup final loss, stating that the outcome "hurts, and will hurt for a while". Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players, calling them "warriors" following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Dani Olmo has rejected an apology from Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala after their World Cup final altercation.

Golf and Individual Sports

Lucas Glover insisted that removing his shoes during a PGA Tour event was to prevent spike marks, not a protest against the Aim Point putting technique. Jackson Koivun secured his first PGA Tour title in his third professional start, winning the 3M Open by three strokes over Scottie Scheffler. Lucas Herbert set a LIV Golf record with his victory in the UK event in Staffordshire. Jerry Kelly claimed his third PGA Tour Champions major at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open. Luke Littler reiterated his ambition to become the greatest darts player ever after defending his World Matchplay title. Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a deadline of 2028 to win a record eighth World Snooker Championship.

Other Sports News

England bounced back from a netball defeat to Australia with a victory over Malawi in Glasgow. In rugby league, England women demonstrated strong preparation for the Rugby League World Cup with a dominant win against France.

MLS and US Soccer

Robert Lewandowski has yet to secure a win in his first two MLS games with the Chicago Fire. Lionel Messi is set to miss the MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive season but will avoid suspension this time. Inter Miami forward Germán Berterame was discharged from the hospital after being taken off the field in an ambulance during a match. New Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro will make his debut after receiving his P-1 Visa. Liga MX Femenil has undergone a rebrand to Liga Femenil BBVA and has altered its season format. Francisco Iturbide has been announced as the new president of Liga MX.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Edgar Berlanga made a comeback by knocking out Steven Butler in the seventh round of their super-middleweight contest. Hamzah Sheeraz secured a narrow points victory, while Josh Kelly overcame a significant facial injury on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga fight.

Formula 1

George Russell experienced a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix due to an engine issue, forcing a power unit change after a water leak in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton felt an unnecessary pit stop contributed to his penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Toto Wolff criticized the "Teletubbies engineers" regarding blue flag system failures, while Oscar Piastri labeled backmarkers as "unacceptable" after contact with Carlos Sainz. Lando Norris suggested the pressure is on championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the title fight.

Other Football News

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has criticized World Cup critics, accusing them of "spreading hate" and suggesting they "meditate and pray". A worker died during renovations at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, and the club has pledged support to the family. Barcelona has signed American goalkeeper Tyler McCamey for their women's team. Cwmbran Celtic and Cwmbran Town, separated by only 40 meters, are set to play each other for the first time in 16 years, potentially creating football's closest derby.