Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 3:07 AM ET

PSG Edge Villa in Super Cup, Madjo Shines

Paris Saint-Germain claimed their second straight UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, as Desire Doue scored the winner. The match was overshadowed by a breakout performance from Villa's 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo, who scored on his debut after an eight-month wait. PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also impressed, while Villa's Unai Emery sought his first Super Cup. The French champions were reportedly unhappy with their dressing room allocation at the Red Bull Arena, prompting an extra room to be provided. Meanwhile, a Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan expressed gratitude for being included in the officiating team after being barred from entering the U.S.

Major Transfer Deals and Rumors Dominate Window

Atlético Madrid and Tottenham agreed a €40M deal for Cristian Romero, with the defender set to move after Spurs accepted the bid. Romelu Lukaku sealed an emotional move to Fenerbahce from Napoli for €6M, while Youri Tielemans completed his £35M switch to Manchester United, admitting he did not expect to leave Aston Villa. Chelsea set a 5pm Friday deadline for Enzo Fernandez as Manchester City circle. Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly is the subject of speculation, with both Chelsea and Manchester United linked – though Sky Sports reports both clubs turned down the opportunity to sign him. Gabriel Martinelli received a bid from Galatasaray, and Bruno Guimaraes made his Arsenal debut in a friendly against Como. Pep Chavarría joined Chelsea for £16M, while Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil swapped clubs in a rare Premier League swap between Everton and Crystal Palace. Wrexham signed Anthony Patterson in a potential club-record deal, and Hull City broke their transfer record for Nobel Mendy.

Arsenal and Liverpool Active; More Moves Across Europe

Arsenal are holding further talks over Ezri Konsa and remain optimistic about signing Rodri from Man City, while Jules Koundé is also a target. Ronald Araújo joined Liverpool on loan with a €55M option, a move prematurely announced by Darwin Núñez. Bradley Barcola is a Liverpool target but is in PSG's Super Cup squad. Barcelona rejected a €40M PSG offer for Ferran Torres, while Endrick is likely to stay at Real Madrid. Kalvin Phillips rejoined Sheffield United on loan, and Gustavo Hamer returned to Coventry. Shea Charles became Northern Ireland's most expensive player at £30M moving to Fulham. Nottingham Forest signed Ousmane Diomande for £34M. Manor Solomon joined West Ham from Tottenham, while Mason Mount missed Man Utd's friendly. Geronimo Rulli joined Man City as Donnarumma understudy. Ayyoub Bouaddi is close to joining Man City. Joao Palhinha is wanted by Aston Villa. Robbie Ure made a £5.5M move to Sevilla. Alexis Sánchez signed with CF Montréal. Chucky Lozano joined the LA Galaxy. Julián Álvarez held talks with Diego Simeone at Atlético. Mykhailo Mudryk is allowed to leave Chelsea on loan. Julio Enciso joined Ipswich. Haissem Hassan joined Celtic. Alexandros Kyziridis left Hearts. Zavier Gozo is finalizing a Palace deal. Anan Khalaili is close to joining Palace.

Wafcon 2026: Cameroon and Malawi Reach Final as Nigeria Exit

Cameroon stunned host nation Morocco in the Wafcon semifinals, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saving four penalties in a shootout to send her side through. Malawi also advanced after sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga shared three goals in a 3-1 win over Algeria. Record champions Nigeria were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Cameroon, a defeat described as their worst-ever WAFCON performance. Nigeria now face a fight to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Managerial Changes and Club News

The Netherlands appointed Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández as head coach through the 2030 World Cup. Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid, promising to restore former glory – but he has already criticised Bernardo Silva's fitness levels. The Chicago Stars fired Martin Sjögren after languishing at the bottom of the NWSL. Enzo Maresca addressed his captaincy dilemma at Manchester City. Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari will leave. Craig Bellamy's proposed Burnley move collapsed, leaving Wales in a difficult position. Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace over a defamatory banner. Derby County's takeover deal collapsed. Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola warned his side lack energy for 90 minutes.

Pre-Season Friendlies and Other Results

Real Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 with a goal from Brahim Diaz. Everton thrashed Newcastle 3-1 at Murrayfield. Manchester United beat Leeds 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Noussair Mazraoui scoring the decisive spot-kick amid pitch invasion chaos. Barcelona played Montpellier during a solar eclipse. Sunderland face Premier League doubters again. West Ham, Burnley and Wolves are among relegated sides preparing for the Championship. Birmingham City are transformed under Chris Davies.

Off-Pitch Stories and Controversies

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's bench after his father's death. Cristiano Ronaldo married Georgina Rodríguez. False reports of Ronaldo's wedding sent fans to another couple's ceremony, which he reportedly found hilarious. Memphis Depay slammed Corinthians over contract issues. Paul Pogba is expected to have his Monaco contract terminated. Jeremy Doku said he is not against the journalist who criticised him. Everton's Martin Sherif was charged with 61 alleged bets. The South Korean FA apologised over a referee payment scandal. La Liga will inspect Celta Vigo's pitch after a fungus outbreak. UEFA joined a joint letter slamming FIFA's "deception". Javier Tebas declared the Infantino era is over. Donald Trump warned FIFA against replacing Infantino. PFA started legal proceedings over League One salary cap.