Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

European Club Competitions & Domestic Triumphs

Real Betis secured a long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League, clinching fifth place in LaLiga following their victory over Elche, marking their first appearance in the elite European tournament in two decades. This achievement contrasts sharply with the ongoing struggles at Real Madrid, whose crisis deepened after they lost El Clásico, allowing Barcelona to ultimately claim the LaLiga title in a season where sealing the championship against their rivals left them desiring even greater success moving toward 2026. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Heart of Midlothian faces a historic opportunity to potentially claim their first league championship in 66 years when they face Celtic on Wednesday, provided they can overcome both their rivals and the "weight of history."

Managerial & Ownership Moves

The ownership group at NWSL's Racing Louisville FC has initiated discussions to sell a minority stake in the club, according to multiple sources familiar with the ongoing exploration of a partial sale. In contrast to ownership uncertainty, speculation swirls around managerial appointments, with many pundits endorsing Michael Carrick for the permanent Manchester United role, although questions remain about whether observers are focusing on the right metrics for the position. Separately, Liverpool's ownership, FSG, face a difficult choice regarding manager Arne Slot, as they weigh fan dissent against maintaining continuity.

International Football & Player Decisions

As the World Cup approaches, Sweden's manager Graham Potter unveiled his 26-man roster, which prominently features top talents Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, while late injury updates continue to affect several leading contenders tracking which stars might miss out. On the American side, Giovanni Reyna expressed satisfaction after scoring a goal that broke a year-long scoring drought, a necessary demonstration of form as he makes his case for the US roster. Furthermore, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addressed the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal, stating the young star was "old enough" to independently decide to wave the Palestinian flag during the team's official title parade celebrations.

MLS & Player Earnings

Lionel Messi retains his status as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player for the third consecutive year, having secured a substantial raise this season that keeps his annual compensation at $28M with Inter Miami. In related league news, actor Cristo Fernández, known for portraying Dani Rojas on the popular series "Ted Lasso," has now officially transitioned into a professional player, having signed a contract with USL side El Paso Locomotive on Tuesday.

Miscellaneous Football & Sports Notes

The topic of video assistant referee decisions remains contentious, exemplified by the recent incident involving Arsenal's David Raya, where manager Mikel Arteta is seen as embodying the dual expectations placed upon VAR, though the recent decision was ultimately deemed correct by observers who favor accurate officiating. Former manager José Mourinho, known affectionately as "The Special One," has managed exactly ten different clubs over his 25-year career, prompting a quiz for fans to name every team. In a non-soccer related update, boxer Derek Chisora communicated that his wife has provided the "green light" for him to pursue a highly anticipated rematch against heavyweight Deontay Wilder.