Football Articles | Mail Online

• Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or hopes are OVER claims Arsenal legend after star 'disappeared' in England's World Cup semi-final27 July 2026, 5:01 pm
  Harry Kane's hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or are over after failing to have a major influence in England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, according to Emmanuel Petit.
  
• Vinicius Junior stays AWAY from Real Madrid training as transfer saga rumbles on: Arsenal target skips pre-season return date amid contract stand-off - with Spanish giants making stance clear27 July 2026, 4:43 pm
  PETE JENSON: Arsenal target Vinicius will not return to Real Madrid training this week as doubts over his future rumble on.
  
• Premier League ramps up crackdown on dark arts with teams set to be reduced to TEN MEN if their goalkeeper goes down injured - amid fury over time-wasting27 July 2026, 4:34 pm
  English football is set to trial a new rule aimed at tackling tactical timeouts caused by goalkeepers going down injured during matches.
  
• Kylian Mbappe admits he will be in 'pain for a while' as he releases emotional 520-word statement after France's World Cup heartbreak27 July 2026, 4:18 pm
  He has posted a lengthy statement saying France fans probably deserved a 'better ending' than the 2-0 defeat by Spain in the semi-finals and the 6-4 lashing by England in the third-pace game.
  
• Chelsea are keen on signing Brighton forward Danny Welbeck, 35, after he scored 13 Premier League goals last season27 July 2026, 4:17 pm
  The 35-year-old Brighton striker has emerged as a player of interest within Stamford Bridge, and is now a contender to join the Blues squad under Xabi Alonso.
  
• Barca keep Bournemouth's Kroupi on their radar, Man United sign 20-year-old son of former City man... and Wolves star set for exit after training drama: WINDOW WATCH27 July 2026, 4:12 pm
  The transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today's latest developments...
  
• FIFA boss Gianni Infantino goes full Trump as he furiously slams World Cup critics for 'spreading hate' in blistering social media rant27 July 2026, 3:12 pm
  With the six-week tournament officially over, Infantino took the time to address his detractors through a 15-slide post on Instagram - where he seemingly defended a number of controversies.
  
• The crack coaching team Andoni Iraola has brought in to bring Liverpool back to the top: A 'fiery' fitness specialist to fight injuries, the solution to set-piece woes and Napoli's title-winning goalkeeping guru27 July 2026, 3:12 pm
  Liverpool fans are growing used to Andoni Iraola as their new head coach but when he takes charge of his first match on Saturday against Sunderland in Nashville, he'll be flanked by several new faces.
  
• Female referee left concussed after being knocked over by brawling men's players during melee in match in France27 July 2026, 2:18 pm
  A female referee reportedly suffered a concussion after being knocked to the ground during a melee in a men's friendly match in France.
  
• Do YOU think you could beat Luke Littler at darts? The world No 1 is inviting amateurs to take him on in new Netflix show... for a prize of £501,000!27 July 2026, 1:14 pm
  The PDC world No 1 will star in a one-off live Netflix show on October 30, taking on 20 punters from across the nation. Regional qualifying heats are already open for sign-up .
  
• Andrea Pirlo BLOCKED from becoming Italy manager after links to Russian betting firm spark 'political' concerns - as icon breaks silence on decision that has left Paolo Maldini furious27 July 2026, 1:10 pm
  Andrea Pirlo is no longer in the running to become Italy's next manager after 'political' concerns were raised over the football legend's sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company. 
  
• Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare set for loan exit to Ajax after refusing to leave pitch during training... with Dutch side paying his salary in full27 July 2026, 1:04 pm
  Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare is joining Ajax on loan with a view to a £17million permanent deal.
  
• Sorry Morgan Rogers, you're wrong. Here's the definitive proof that Arsenal are the BIGGEST team in London as James Sharpe gives Chelsea's record signing a history lesson27 July 2026, 11:56 am
  Elliot Anderson did his bit after his £116m move to Manchester City, too. 'For as long as I've known, Manchester, City have been the Kings of Manchester.'
  
• English WAG who supported Argentina at the World Cup reveals the gifts Lionel Messi gave EVERY team-mate including her Premier League boyfriend after finishing second27 July 2026, 9:06 am
  The English girlfriend of one of Argentina's World Cup stars has revealed the gifts that Lionel Messi gave to the entire squad after the tournament.
  
• Liverpool working to complete deal for Bradley Barcola - with France star open to move but PSG demanding £140MILLION27 July 2026, 8:57 am
  SIMON JONES: The 23-year-old France international has indicated he does not wish to sign a new contract with the European champions and is open to joining Liverpool.