Amorim, Bryan Mbeumo Win Premier League Awards

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and his ward Bryan Mbeumo have been named the Premier League manager and Player for October. Amorim secured wins against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton during an uplifting month for the club. The 40-year-old claimed back-to-back league wins for the first time in the Premier League against Liverpool at Anfield, with Harry Maguire scoring a late headed goal to seal a 2-1 victory. Similarly, Mbeumo played a pivotal role in all three of Man United’s victories in October. During the 2-0 win over Sunderland, Mbeumo provided a crucial assist to Mason Mount, who opened the scoring. He then scored within just two minutes of play to hand United a crucial lead over Liverpool, with the visitors holding out for a 2-1 triumph. In what was arguable his finest moment of October, Mbeumo scored two goals to give United an emphatic 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. While a phenomenal month for Mbeumo, this forms just part of what has been a scintillating season for the forward to date. Since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, Mbeumo has been an instant success. In ten Premier League appearances, Mbeumo has netted four goals and grabbed an assist. He has also exhibited much quality on the ball, with 80% passing including 90% accuracy from within his own half.

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CAF Announces Expansion of WAFCON to 16 Teams from 2026

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the expansion of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the next edition to be staged in Morocco from 17 March-3 April 2026. As the qualification phase for the 2026 edition has already been completed, the Executive Committee has approved the selection mechanism to determine the four additional Teams. Based on the current FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the top four teams from those eliminated in the final qualifying round have been selected to complete the list of participants. The following teams will therefore join the finals of the CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026: Cameroon (66th in the FIFA ranking), Cote d’Ivoire (71), Mali (79) and Egypt (95). They are in addition to the 12 nations already qualified for the tournament: Morocco (host country), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa and Senegal. The decision is in line with CAF’s strategic vision to strengthen the competitiveness and development of women’s football on the African continent. This will allow more nations to participate in African women’s football’s flagship competition, contributing to its continued growth and global reach. The CAF WAFCON also serves as the continental qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

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Mbappe, Dembele, Others Battle for FIFA Best Player of the Year Award

Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappé will slug out with Paris Saint Germain forward Ousamane Dembele for the 2025 FIFA Best Palyer of the Award. FIFA, however, is inviting the global football community to help decide which of the beautiful game’s leading lights should be nominated for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. The highlight of the year was the success of the new FIFA Club World Cup in June and July, when 32 of the leading clubs on the planet came together in the United States for the first time in football history, with 2.5 million attending in person and billions more watching on around the world. Players and coaches have taken the world’s number-one sport to new heights, enchanting billions of fans worldwide at these show-stopping competitions. The tenth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards will honour only the finest individuals and groups of individuals in the game. A panel of experts on women’s football, representing various FIFA and external football stakeholders, have compiled a shortlist of 11 female players for The Best FIFA Women’s Player, five women’s football coaches for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach and five female goalkeepers for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. A panel of men’s football specialists have drawn up equivalent male shortlists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. In addition to the awarding of the above-mentioned prizes, The Best FIFA Women’s 11 and The Best FIFA Men’s 11 will be named, and the FIFA Fan Award will be bestowed on an individual or group of individuals that have gone above and beyond to show their love and passion for the game. Find out everything you need to know about The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 –including how to vote – on FIFA.com . The coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ women’s national teams will now be invited to select three outstanding candidates for each of the three women’s awards. In addition, the coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ men’s national teams will be given the opportunity to choose their top three candidates for the trio of men’s awards. Media representatives (various journalists who cover the women’s and men’s games) and fans registered on FIFA.com can also vote on each of the awards. The four groups of voters have the same electoral weight, irrespective of the actual number of voters in each group (i.e. the votes of the coaches, captains, specialist journalists and fans will each make up 25% of the poll, regardless of the number of voters in each group). As was the case in previous editions, a dedicated voting application is being used for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. Shortlist voting commenced on 6 November 2025 and will conclude at 23:59 CET on 28 November 2025. Nominees in full The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees – Sandy Baltimore, France and Chelsea – Nathalie Björn, Sweden and Chelsea – Aitana Bonmatí, Spain and Barcelona – Lucy Bronze, England and Chelsea – Mariona Caldentey, Spain and Arsenal – Temwa Chawinga, Malawi and Kansas City Current – Kadidiatou Diani, France and Olympique Lyonnais – Melchie Dumornay, Haiti and Olympique Lyonnais – Patri Guijarro, Spain and Barcelona – Lindsey Heaps, USA and Olympique Lyonnais – Lauren James, England and Chelsea – Chloe Kelly, England and Manchester City/Arsenal – Ewa Pajor, Poland and Barcelona – Clàudia Pina, Spain and Barcelona – Alexia Putellas, Spain and Barcelona – Alessia Russo, England and Arsenal – Leah Williamson, England and Arsenal The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees – Ousmane Dembélé, France and Paris Saint-Germain – Achraf Hakimi, Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain – Harry Kane, England and FC Bayern München – Kylian Mbappé, France and Real Madrid – Nuno Mendes, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Cole Palmer, England and Chelsea – Pedri, Spain and Barcelona – Raphinha, Brazil and Barcelona – Mohamed Salah, Egypt and Liverpool – Vitinha, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees – Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea – Jonatan Giráldez, Washington Spirit/Olympique Lyonnais – Seb Hines, Orlando Pride – Renée Slegers, Arsenal – Sarina Wiegman, England The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees – Javier Aguirre, Mexico – Mikel Arteta, Arsenal – Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain – Hansi Flick, Barcelona – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea – Roberto Martínez, Portugal – Arne Slot, Liverpool The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees – Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany and Gotham FC – Cata Coll, Spain and Barcelona – Christiane Endler, Chile and Olympique Lyonnais – Hannah Hampton, England and Chelsea – Anna Moorhouse, England and Orlando Pride – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria and Paris FC/Brighton & Hove Albion – Phallon Tullis-Joyce, USA and Manchester United The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees – Alisson Becker, Brazil and Liverpool – Thibaut Courtois, Belgium and Real Madrid – Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy and Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City – Emiliano Martínez, Argentina and Aston Villa – Manuel Neuer, Germany and FC Bayern München – David Raya, Spain and Arsenal – Yann Sommer, Switzerland and Internazionale Milano – Wojciech SzczÄ™sny, Poland and Barcelona FIFA Fan Award nominees – Alejandro Ciganotto (ARG) – Manolo el del Bombo (ESP) (posthumous) – Zakho fans (IRQ)

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Ademola Lookman In Fierce Altercation With His Coach

Ademola Lookman had to be held back during a furious row after being grabbed by his Atalanta manager Ivan Juric on Wednesday night. The former Everton winger, 28, was substituted in the home Champions League game against Marseille that the Italian side went on to win 1-0. And as Lookman came off the pitch, there was an exchange of words between him and Juric, seemingly about his annoyance at being brought off. Juric then reacted and called back at his player, grabbing him at the same time before CEO Luca Percassi and team-mate Marten de Roon on the bench intervened to prevent the situation escalating further. Lookman appeared shocked and angered by his manager’s decision to get physical and the incident occurred in the 75th minute with the score 0-0. After the game, Juric went over to the Nigerian and they exchanged words again, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, but it is not known whether that was to smooth things over or continue the dispute. This is not the first time the winger, who has a brilliant record at Atalanta with 40 goals in 99 games and a hattrick in a Europa League final win, has been at the centre of controversy at the club. Lookman, who never quite made the grade in England and had loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City, was embroiled in a very public row with former boss Gian Piero Gasperini earlier this year. After a Champions League defeat by Club Brugge, Gasperini described the player as being ‘one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen’. Lookman took to social media and said: ‘Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful. ‘Not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.’ He tried to force his way out of the club in the summer transfer window and Inter Milan bid £32million for him. There was also interest from PSG and other big sides leading to another messy situation, with Lookman again publicly calling out the club. He said in a statement: ‘Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand. As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough.’ But ultimately an exit was not sanctioned and he has been reintegrated, playing eight times this season. The latest incident with Juric now indicates a January transfer may be the best solution for all parties. Lookman has been with Atalanta since 2022 and in that time has made himself arguably the most important player at the club. His attacking output during that time has been unrivalled for La Dea and has seen him blossom later in his career. He began at Charlton and represented England, his country of birth, at age group levels before playing for Nigeria on the senior stage. A £7.5m move to Everton did not work out and he was loaned to RB Leipzig, who then signed him permanently before loaning him to Fulham and Leicester. Atalanta took a punt on him for £13m, which has proved to be a real bargain even if he does end up leaving under a cloud unless he can patch things up with Juric in the weeks ahead.

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Victor Osimhen Fires Hat-Trick As Galatasaray Beat Ajax 3–0 To Make Champions League History

Victor Osimhen wrote another glorious chapter in his career on Wednesday night, becoming only the second Nigerian ever to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League as Galatasaray defeated Ajax 3–0 at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. The 26-year-old striker delivered a complete centre-forward performance, scoring twice from the penalty spot and once from open play to seal an emphatic win for the Turkish champions. His heroics also made him the first Galatasaray player to net a Champions League hat-trick since Burak Yilmaz’s treble against Cluj in 2012. After a cagey first half, Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a thunderous header that left Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer rooted to the spot. He doubled Galatasaray’s advantage just seven minutes later, coolly slotting home from the penalty spot after VAR confirmed a handball inside the box. He completed his historic night in the 78th minute, once again showing his composure from 12 yards as he sent Pasveer the wrong way following another handball decision against Gerald Alders. His celebration, filled with emotion and pride, drew thunderous applause from the traveling Galatasaray fans. Osimhen’s treble places him alongside Yakubu Ayegbeni, who was the first Nigerian to achieve the feat when he scored three goals for Maccabi Haifa in a 3–0 win over Olympiacos on September 24, 2002. The former African Footballer of the Year has been in unstoppable form, scoring 12 goals in his last eight European matches for Galatasaray. His recent run includes braces against Tottenham and Bodø/Glimt, and goals against AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kyiv, and Liverpool. Wednesday’s performance also cemented Osimhen’s place in history as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 15 goals, surpassing Obafemi Martins’ record of 10. It was a double milestone for the striker, marking both his 50th appearance for Galatasaray and his 20th in the Champions League — bringing him within one game of matching Victor Ikpeba and Celestine Babayaro’s record for the most UCL appearances by a Nigerian. With 25 goals now in European club competitions, Osimhen has also overtaken Martins to become Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in UEFA tournaments, underlining his status as one of Africa’s greatest football exports.

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Chelsea Salvage 2-2 Draw Against Qarabag After Rocky Start

The match got off to a rocky start, with Romeo Lavia picking up yet another injury within the first five minutes, forcing Moises Caicedo to come on unexpectedly and cutting short his planned rest. Despite the early setback, things seemed to be looking up when Estevao opened the scoring just 15 minutes in, giving hope that the game might settle in our favor. That optimism was short-lived, however, as Qarabag struck twice in quick succession. The first came from sloppy defending, and the second followed a somewhat unlucky handball call against Jorrel Hato in the box. Qarabag’s pace on the wings exposed our makeshift defense, creating constant problems throughout the first half. A triple substitution at halftime initially did little to change the momentum, with the home side still posing a threat. But then Alejandro Garnacho fired in a well-taken equalizer, and the match began to find a more familiar rhythm. Chelsea started to dominate possession, while Qarabag looked to hit on the break. Despite several close chances from Delap, Estevao, Enzo, and Bounanotte, the winning goal remained elusive. Both teams had opportunities in stoppage time, but neither could convert, leaving the game level at the final whistle.

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Tottenham Stand By Destiny Udogie After Italy Defender Threatened With Gun

Tottenham have expressed their support for Destiny Udogie after the Italian defender was allegedly threatened with a gun by a football agent. The incident reportedly took place in London on 6 September and involved another man who was also allegedly blackmailed and threatened. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Police, who are investigating the case, said a 31-year-old man was arrested on 8 September on suspicion of possession of firearms with intent, blackmail, and driving without a licence. He has been released on bail while inquiries continue. Spurs issued a statement on Tuesday saying: “We have been providing support for Destiny and his family since the incident and will continue to do so. Given this is a legal matter, we cannot comment any further.” Udogie, 22, joined Tottenham from Udinese in the summer of 2022 for £15 million on a five-year contract, before immediately returning to the Serie A club on loan. He returned to Spurs for the 2023-24 season and has made 76 appearances for the club so far. This season, he has featured 10 times, including Tuesday night’s 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen.

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Arsenal’s Max Dowman Breaks Record As Youngest Player In Champions League History At 15

Arsenal’s rising star Max Dowman etched his name into football history on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the UEFA Champions League. At just 15 years and 309 days old, the teenage midfielder came on as a 73rd-minute substitute in Arsenal’s 3–0 win over Slavia Prague, marking a record-breaking moment for both himself and the club. Dowman shattered the previous record set by German striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at 16 years and 18 days. Moukoko, now with FC Copenhagen, was preparing to face Tottenham Hotspur later that evening. The achievement caps off a whirlwind week for Dowman, who had already become Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter in their 2–0 League Cup victory over Brighton — proof of manager Mikel Arteta’s growing faith in the teenager’s extraordinary potential.

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