Flamengo have shockingly sacked head coach Filipe Luis despite the club icon leading his side to a staggering 8-0 victory over Madureira just hours earlier. While the optics of firing a manager following an 11-0 aggregate semi-final triumph seemed inexplicable to outsiders, sensational new details have emerged suggesting a deep-seated betrayal behind the scenes. It has been revealed that a breakdown in trust occurred after the club hierarchy discovered Luis had been engaging in clandestine talks with the ownership group of his former club, Chelsea.
Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
Marco Verratti could be set for a stunning reunion with former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Edinson Cavani, Ander Herrera and Leandro Paredes, with Boca Juniors exploring an ambitious move for the Italian midfielder. With the 33-year-old looking to leave Al Duhail and Boca preparing for a high-profile Libertadores return in 2026, president Juan Roman Riquelme has quietly opened the door to a sensational transfer.
Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo endured an outing to forget for Racing Club in their Copa Libertadores showdown with Flamengo. The combative ex-Argentina international was partly to blame for the only goal of that game being recorded, while he also cracked the skull of an unfortunate team-mate after challenging for a high ball with his arms flailing.
Spanish dark horses Sevilla are currently the most accomplished club in Europa League history, winning the competition seven times. Los Nervionenses won their maiden title in 2006, beating Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final. They defended their crown in the next season, before completing a hattrick of wins in 2014, 2015, and 2016 under Unai Emery.
How many teams are in the Europa League?
The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams. Traditionally, all games were two-legged knockout ties. From 2004 to 2009, 40 teams competed. In the 2009-10 season, when the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League, a total of 48 teams featured.
Who has made the most Europa League appearances ever?
Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Bergomi, with 96 appearances, holds the record of making the most Europa League appearances in history.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Europa League?
If we consider goals scored in qualifying games, then Swedish icon Henrik Larsson leads the charts with 40 goals. However, without qualifying games taken into account, it's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is Europa League's top goalscorer ever with 34 goals.
Who has the most assists in the history of the Europa League?
Sparta Prague legend Borek Dockal has the most assists in Europa League history. Dockal made an impressive 24 assists in 62 games in the competition.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?
Ratko Svilar is the oldest player to ever have featured in the Europa League, with the former Antwerp man taking to the pitch at the age of 44 years and 130 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?
Former Swedish striker Roger Lindevall is the youngest player to ever appear in a Europa League game. Lindevall was just 15 years and 335 days when he came on as a substitute for Djurgardens IF in their 2-1 win over Feyenoord on September 29, 1976.
Which famous players have played in the Europa League?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cristiano Ronaldo, Granit Xhaka, Rui Patricio, Giuseppe Bergomi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Dimitri Payet, and Florian Wirtz are among the most famous players to have featured in the Europa League.
Which famous managers have managed in the Europa League?
Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Giovanni Trapattoni, Franz Beckenbauer, and Diego Simeone are some of Europa League's most famous managers ever.