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Sadio Mane has explained his decision to prevent Senegal from walking off during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final clash with hosts Morocco. A number of controversial decisions incensed the Senegalese squad, with the award of a penalty following a supposed foul on Brahim Diaz leading to some players heading off the pitch. Ex-Liverpool star Mane was able to beckon them back.

The Africa Cup of Nations final ended in acrimony and confusion well after the final whistle as Senegal boss Pape Thiaw stormed out of his press conference following a hostile reception from the media. On a night of high drama where his side claimed victory after initially walking off the pitch over a controversial penalty decision, Morocco manager Walid Regragui also faced the wrath of the local press, with furious journalists urging him to resign after the hosts’ 50-year wait for the trophy was extended in heartbreaking fashion.

Real Madrid may be wondering if they got their approach all wrong with Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, after seeing him star as a flying winger for Lyon during a loan spell in France. The South American starlet was taken to Santiago Bernabeu as a striker, but struggled to make the desired impact in Spain as injuries and fierce competition for places held him back.

Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong launched a scathing attack on referee Jesus Gil Manzano following the club’s shock 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena. The Dutchman accused the official of arrogance and poor time-keeping after a controversial night saw the La Liga leaders have three goals ruled out, leaving De Jong labelling the officiating as "insane" in a heated post-match interview.

Unai Emery conducted a “weird” interview after seeing Aston Villa suffer a disappointing home defeat to Everton, with the Spaniard claiming that his high-flying team are “not top-five contenders” in the Premier League. His comments, and behaviour, raised eyebrows with Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

Sporting Kansas City is entering a new chapter. The Illig family, owners of the club since 2006, have agreed to sell a 71% stake to current limited partner Peter Mallouk in a deal that values the franchise at roughly $700 million, according to Forbes. The figure marks the highest valuation ever paid for a majority stake in Major League Soccer.

Brazil once again ruled the Kings World Cup Nations, defeating Chile 6-2 in a spectacular final at a sold-out Allianz Parque. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Seleção delivered a dominant performance to retain the title, blending attacking flair, resilience, and showmanship on a night watched by millions worldwide.

Senegal and Morocco served the continent and the world with pure footballing drama in the 2025 AFCON final, from a controversial penalty to protests and a late, fate-deciding goal from Pape Gueye, which will be remembered for years to come. The Lions of Teranga, who appeared in their third final in the last four editions, withstood the storm and became the African champions once again. Morocco, though, extended their 50-year wait for another continental trophy, with Brahim Diaz guilty of missing a stoppage-time penalty that would have sealed the title for the hosts.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including some important goals from two strikers in the Championship.

Lamine Yamal was again the star of the show for Barcelona at the Anoeta on Sunday night but it was all for nothing as the La Liga leaders fell to a 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad. The Barca teen shone down the right but was unable to inspire the Blaugrana to victory, with Hansi Flick's men now just a point clear of arch rivals Real Madrid at the summit.

Morocco talisman Brahim Diaz missed a 114th-minute penalty against Senegal in the AFCON final after inexplicably trying a Panenka chip, which was easily saved by opposition goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Real Madrid ace blew the chance to win the trophy for his country after the Senegal squad had stormed off in protest against the initial award of the penalty.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal left four Real Sociedad players for dead during a dazzling dribbling sequence at the Anoeta on Sunday night. The teenage star embarked on the scintillating run after picking the ball up in his own half, before playing a delightful pass through to Fermin Lopez.

Arne Slot reportedly still has the backing of Liverpool owners FSG despite a downturn in results. The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday afternoon, which extended their winless run to four matches. The pressure continues to mount on Slot, with the defending Premier League champions now 14 points off league leaders Arsenal.

Shaqueel van Persie, the son of legendary Dutch striker Robin van Persie, scored his first professional goals as Feyenoord played out a seven-goal thriller with Rotterdam rivals Sparta on Sunday. Van Persie junior made just his third career appearance as he replaced Casper Tengstedt midway through the second half in the Rotterdam Derby, and almost salvaged a draw for his team.

Vinicius Junior making a move to Chelsea remains a ”fairytale shout”, says former Blues midfielder Jody Morris, with the Real Madrid superstar considered to be “too old” for owners at Stamford Bridge that prefer to focus on youth and potential. A ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu is, however, generating talk of a Premier League transfer being made in 2026.

Unai Emery has explained why Jadon Sancho was not included in Aston Villa's squad to face Everton on Sunday evening. Sancho joined the Villans on loan from Manchester United in September but has struggled for regular game time at Villa Park. Indeed, he has started just two league matches this season, with the majority of his minutes coming in the Europa League.

Neymar to Inter Miami could still happen, former MLS star Kleberson has exclusively told GOAL, with Lionel Messi looking to bring “everyone” to the United States as he forms his own “private league”. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul have already joined the Argentine GOAT in Florida, with more marquee transfer deals - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being lined up.