Harry Sherlock

Ayoub El Kaabi, one of the early stars of the African Cup of Nations, has achieved a remarkable feat after scoring his second bicycle kick of the tournament. The 32-year-old Olympiacos star scored his first headline-grabbing goal against Comoros, and has now done the same against Zambia.

Inter Miami star Yannick Bright has claimed that he "almost fainted" when he met Lionel Messi for the first time. The 24-year-old has become a first-team mainstay with the MLS side, having gone from playing in the fourth-tier of Italian football to sharing a team sheet with arguably the best player to ever kick a football.

Jose Mourinho launched into an extraordinary sarcastic rant after Benfica's 2-2 draw with Braga, as he refused to accept the result, and instead insisted his side won 3-2. Controversial refereeing decisions were at the centre of his complaints, as Braga scored an equaliser after being awarded a penalty for handball, and Benfica's potential winner was ruled out for what appeared to be a soft foul in the build-up.

Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has undergone heart surgery after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and his current club, Lazio, have issued a positive update on his condition. The diagnosis is one of a rhythm disorder and, as a result, the Italian tactician has undergone a minor procedure. Lazio expect him to return to his normal duties soon.

England Women's manager Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame in the New Year Honours List, after guiding the Lionesses to European Championship glory last summer. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson, as well as several team-mates, have also received gongs following the triumph in Switzerland.

Alexander Isak limped out of Liverpool's clash with Tottenham just seconds after scoring the opening goal of the game, after appearing to injure his ankle. The Sweden international came off the bench at half-time but was withdrawn shortly after a lunge from Micky van de Ven left him writhing in agony on the turf.

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

Steven Gerrard has been told to be on standby for a phone call from Liverpool as Arne Slot's future hangs in the balance at Anfield. The Reds have been on a dismal run that has seen them win just two of their last five Premier League games, and Rio Ferdinand believes Gerrard could be drafted in to right the ship.

Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening, as they came from behind, and shrugged off a missed Robert Lewandowski penalty, to record a vital three points. Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres all found the net, after Alex Baena had fired Atletico into an early lead.

Famous presenter Piers Morgan has begged Arsenal to win the Premier League, and kick off an era of dominance that will see them become the Premier League's best-ever team. The Gunners have not won the title since 2004 under Arsene Wenger but Mikel Arteta's side are top of the league in December, and are dreaming of lifting silverware in May.

ITV presenter Laura Woods was taken ill during ITV's broadcast of England Women's friendly against Ghana on Tuesday. While speaking with Ian Wright and Anita Asante, Woods fell forward, and the Arsenal legend appeared to try to catch her. The broadcaster then cut to an extended break, with Woods replaced by Katie Shanahan ahead of kick-off.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is set to make his return after two months out against Leeds in midweek. The Blues star has been absent since the club's defeat to Manchester United on September 20, and while he returned to the bench against Arsenal at the weekend, he did not come on, with the England international being eased back into action.

Former Premier League star Luke Moore has told Wrexham fans that they shouldn't hold their breath over the prospect of promotion, as the club aim to find a way out of the Championship and into the promised land of the top-tier. The Welsh side have enjoyed back-to-back-to-back promotions from the National League, but Moore thinks they will simply run into too much resistance to climb out of the second-tier at the first time of asking.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo insists that Lucas Paqueta is still affected by the spot-fixing investigation the Football Association (FA) opened against him last season. The midfielder was sent off at the weekend against Liverpool, and later hit out at the governing body for their conduct and their lack of support while the case was being looked into.

Switzerland and Como Women's ace Alisha Lehmann has been selected as one of the torch-bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The former Aston Villa and Juventus star moved to Como in the summer, and has now been picked to run a key part of the symbolic relay, an honour bestowed on a rare few professional athletes at the events.

West Ham United are preparing to make a bold statement ahead of the January transfer window by targeting 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez. The Hammers have reportedly compiled a detailed scouting dossier on the rising star and are hoping to move quickly before his value soars, as they look to rebuild under Nuno Espirito Santo amid a turbulent Premier League campaign.

West Ham’s hierarchy are reportedly standing firm behind Nuno Espirito Santo amid mounting pressure and protests. Despite a dismal start that has left the club battling relegation, the Hammers are prepared to support their manager in the January transfer window rather than repeat Nottingham Forest’s managerial merry-go-round, signalling their faith that the Portuguese coach can turn their fortunes around.

Bournemouth’s stunning rise this season could have taken a very different turn if they had accepted blockbuster bids for in-form star Antoine Semenyo. It has been reported that the Cherries rejected £50 million ($66.5m) offers from both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for Semenyo in January — a bold call that has since proven to be one of the club’s best decisions in recent memory.