https://www.scmp.com/rss/322916/feed La Primera Liga, commonly known as La Liga, is the top professional football division in Spanish football. It was founded in 1929. It is contested by 20 teams, with the three lowest-placed teams relegated. Nine teams have been crowned champions in its history, with Real Madrid winning the title a record 33 times and Barcelona 25 times. Atletico Madrid, Valencia, and Deportivo de La Coruna are among the competition's other winners. The current champions are Barcelona en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Reuters Reuters Real Madrid remained the biggest-earning club in world football ‍during the 2024-25 season while Liverpool for the first time generated the most revenues in the Premier League, according to an annual financial list published on Thursday. The Spanish club topped Deloitte’s Football Money League with €1.16 billion (US$1.36 billion) of revenue despite not winning either La Liga or the Champions League. The only club to make ⁠more than $1 billion in the past two seasons, Real Madrid benefited in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340890/real-madrid-footballs-biggest-earners-liverpool-top-epl-despite-mediocre-seasons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340890/real-madrid-footballs-biggest-earners-liverpool-top-epl-despite-mediocre-seasons?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Reuters Reuters Citing “the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks,” LaLiga announced on Tuesday it was scrapping plans to hold a league match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December. Uefa, the governing body for European football, approved the match’s move to the United States two weeks ago but did so “reluctantly,” saying it found no framework within Fifa statutes to oppose the move. Then came then protests. Players stood still for the first 15 seconds of their La Liga... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329909/la-liga-cancels-plans-barcelona-v-villarreal-clash-miami-cites-uncertainty-spain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329909/la-liga-cancels-plans-barcelona-v-villarreal-clash-miami-cites-uncertainty-spain?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:18:26 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Uefa said on Monday it had “reluctantly” approved the staging of a Spanish La Liga and an Italian Serie A match in the United States and Australia respectively, despite fan protests. “While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent,” Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement. European football’s governing body made its ruling after La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328087/uefa-reluctantly-approves-la-liga-serie-matches-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328087/uefa-reluctantly-approves-la-liga-serie-matches-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:36:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The head of Spanish football’s La Liga has said Hong Kong would be the “perfect” stage for one of his competition’s matches. Barcelona and Villarreal are set to play a pioneering regular-season fixture in Miami in December, although that is dependent on Uefa, Fifa and US Soccer all giving their seals of approval. Fan groups have petitioned those governing bodies to reject the move, but Javier Tebas, the La Liga president, told the Post at Hong Kong’s World Football Summit (WFS) that he “can’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324379/spanish-football-fixture-hong-kong-la-liga-boss-calls-city-perfect-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324379/spanish-football-fixture-hong-kong-la-liga-boss-calls-city-perfect-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Vito Wong To-lam said he wanted to blaze a trail for young Hong Kong talent after the teenage winger joined CD San Roque de Lepe in Spain. Only last year, Wong was questioning his football future after his previous club RCFC, where he made his local Premier League debut at 16, opted to self-relegate. BC Rangers provided a lifeline and after “learning a lot about mentality” over the past 12 months, Wong earned his big European break. “I hope I can inspire other young players in Hong Kong to step... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323619/hong-kong-teenage-footballer-hopes-life-changing-spain-move-blazes-trail-citys-talent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323619/hong-kong-teenage-footballer-hopes-life-changing-spain-move-blazes-trail-citys-talent?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:14 +0000 Reuters Reuters Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga have hit back at a European Union commissioner who branded their plans to stage domestic matches outside as a “betrayal” of the fans. Serie A is planning to stage a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, next February, while La Liga hopes to move Villarreal’s game against Barcelona to Miami in December. “I’m deeply disappointed by proposals to stage domestic league matches outside Europe,” Glenn Micallef, EU Sports Commissioner, wrote on social... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323521/eu-official-says-playing-la-liga-serie-games-abroad-betrayal-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323521/eu-official-says-playing-la-liga-serie-games-abroad-betrayal-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:00:17 +0000 Reuters Reuters Barcelona have cancelled their pre-season friendly match in Japan, citing contractual breaches by the promoter, while their two scheduled friendlies in South Korea are also at risk of suspension, the club said. The La Liga champions were scheduled to play Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Sunday, and to play South Korea’s FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4. “Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3319414/fc-barcelona-cancel-japan-match-citing-contractual-breaches-south-korea-game-under-threat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3319414/fc-barcelona-cancel-japan-match-citing-contractual-breaches-south-korea-game-under-threat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:54:52 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal was congratulated on Chinese social media on Tuesday after his “transfer” to Shanghai high school team Dalian No 8. The 17-year-old shared a series of images on social media of his journey to China. And when he arrived at the airport, he was wearing a Dalian No 8 High School football shirt – an image reminiscent of a player landing at the destination of their new club. There were also videos on Chinese social media of Yamal showing off his Mandarin skills. So... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317513/have-chinese-youth-football-team-signed-barcelona-teen-superstar-lamine-yamal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317513/have-chinese-youth-football-team-signed-barcelona-teen-superstar-lamine-yamal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:12:13 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Barcelona will return to Asia for the first time in six years this summer, with pre-season matches lined up in Japan and South Korea, the club confirmed on Monday. There had been speculation about a potential visit by the Catalans to Hong Kong, but the city does not feature on the tour schedule. The Spanish double winners will face Japanese side Vissel Kobe in a friendly match on July 27 at the Noevir Kobe Stadium, which holds 30,000 people. Next, boss Hansi Flick and his players will travel to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3314629/fc-barcelona-reveal-asia-pre-season-tour-destinations-ticket-details?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3314629/fc-barcelona-reveal-asia-pre-season-tour-destinations-ticket-details?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:48:53 +0000 Andrew Cesare Richardson Andrew Cesare Richardson Hong Kong fans may get to see Real Madrid icon Luka Modric in action during July’s Football Festival, according to sources. The Post understands AC Milan, who face Liverpool at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, are interested in signing the Croatia midfielder. Sky Italia, meanwhile, report a deal is close and that new Milan sporting director Igli Tare travelled to Croatia to speak to the player in a bid to reach a verbal agreement. Modric, 39, will end his trophy-laden, 13-year spell with Real Madrid... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3313048/real-madrid-icon-could-be-heading-hong-kong-football-festival-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3313048/real-madrid-icon-could-be-heading-hong-kong-football-festival-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:30:08 +0000 Reuters Reuters Real Madrid have signed Trent Alexander-Arnold on a six-year deal, the La Liga club said on Friday. The Spanish side are paying Liverpool a fee to release the England defender from his contract a month early to allow him to join before the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold, who joined Liverpool when he was six and had made 354 appearances for the Premier League side since his senior debut in 2016, said earlier this month he would leave the club once his contract expired on June 30. However, Real... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312496/trent-alexander-arnold-joins-real-madrid-after-leaving-liverpool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312496/trent-alexander-arnold-joins-real-madrid-after-leaving-liverpool?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 May 2025 10:26:19 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa It’s official: Jude Bellingham and Ashlyn Castro are an item. On April 22, Castro and Bellingham’s mum, Denise, stood together in the stands of Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as they cheered on the 21-year-old footballer. The appearance comes after reports of a frosty relationship between the two women in Bellingham’s life, and just a few months after Castro and Bellingham went public with their romance in February. But what do we know about 27-year-old Ashlyn Castro? Read on to find... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3310346/meet-real-madrid-star-jude-bellinghams-gf-ashlyn-castro-la-influencer-followed-nick-cannon-and-rob?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3310346/meet-real-madrid-star-jude-bellinghams-gf-ashlyn-castro-la-influencer-followed-nick-cannon-and-rob?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 22:00:14 +0000 Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s side, aiming for a quadruple this season, extended their record of Spanish cup wins to 32 in dramatic fashion. Three Real Madrid players were sent off during and after a fiery conclusion to the game, including England international Jude Bellingham. Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308068/bellingham-among-three-real-madrid-players-sent-barcelona-win-fiery-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308068/bellingham-among-three-real-madrid-players-sent-barcelona-win-fiery-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Apr 2025 01:23:17 +0000 A Spanish appeal court overturned on Friday former Brazil international footballer Dani Alves’ rape conviction, arguing his trial was marked by “shortcomings” and “inaccuracies”. Alves was sentenced to 4½ years in jail in February last year for raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022. The 41-year-old, who won the Champions League three times with Barcelona, was released from jail last March pending his appeal after he posted the €1 million (US$1.1... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3304348/brazil-footballer-dani-alves-rape-conviction-annulled-trial-inaccuracies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3304348/brazil-footballer-dani-alves-rape-conviction-annulled-trial-inaccuracies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:03:25 +0000 Just to prove that Cole Palmer’s cold streak is not limited to games against good teams, he failed to score against Southampton on Tuesday, a side with the most obliging of defences. Still, at least his teammates knew where the goal was. A 4-0 thrashing of Southampton got the Chelsea bandwagon rolling again. In fact, there were goals galore across the football spectrum overnight, so, here’s a quick look at what happened while you were sleeping. Normal service (almost) resumed It has not been a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300129/no-goals-cole-chelsea-thrash-saints-barcelona-and-atletico-8-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300129/no-goals-cole-chelsea-thrash-saints-barcelona-and-atletico-8-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:30:19 +0000 In his first season in Hong Kong, Roberto Losada won a league championship and was crowned player of the year. What meant most to him, though, was the feeling of “being on top again”. “It reminded me of my prime in Spain, when … everyone was talking about me,” Losada, the Eastern head coach, said. At the age of 24, in December 2000, Losada was one of Spanish football’s brightest prospects. He was in line for an international call-up, while Atletico Madrid and Panathinaikos were among the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299090/hong-kong-coach-injury-changed-life-amid-battles-ronaldo-beckham-guardiola?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299090/hong-kong-coach-injury-changed-life-amid-battles-ronaldo-beckham-guardiola?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:53:03 +0000 Plans for a summer visit to Hong Kong by Spanish football giants Barcelona remained up in the air early on Friday after an apparent misunderstanding over an email. The visit’s organiser, Winman Advertising and Entertainment Group, said on Wednesday its request in early December to use the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium on July 27 had been declined. Local media then quoted a Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) spokeswoman as saying the park received a request for Barcelona to play there, but not the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3294143/fc-barcelona-signed-play-hong-kong-unsent-email-row-pauses-venue-talks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3294143/fc-barcelona-signed-play-hong-kong-unsent-email-row-pauses-venue-talks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:09:19 +0000 Two of Pep Guardiola’s superstar former Barcelona teammates have backed the embattled Manchester City manager to revitalise his struggling side. Premier League champions for the past four seasons, City have lost eight of their past 11 matches in all competitions. They have all but disappeared from this term’s title race and are staring at the prospect of an early Uefa Champions League exit as well – only 18 months after winning the competition for the first time in 2023. But Luis Figo, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3291501/barcelona-legends-figo-and-puyol-back-pep-guardiola-turn-around-ailing-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3291501/barcelona-legends-figo-and-puyol-back-pep-guardiola-turn-around-ailing-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:30:08 +0000 At first glance the prospect of watching Barcelona and Real Madrid take each other on in Hong Kong seems like the sort of event to get the pulses racing, a pre-Christmas cracker to blow away the winter blues. And then you read the fine print, or the not-so-fine print, with the word legends attached to the end, and the warmth of the moment is lost as the blood runs cold. Another pointless friendly, involving ageing footballers who will hobble around for 90 minutes playing fancy passes as part of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3283023/real-madrid-barcelona-legends-trotting-around-pitch-sums-approach-mega-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3283023/real-madrid-barcelona-legends-trotting-around-pitch-sums-approach-mega-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:15:10 +0000 Football boss Eric Fok Kai-shan said the soon-to-be-opened Kai Tak Sports Park would strengthen Hong Kong’s chances of luring elite clubs, as officials confirmed Barcelona and Real Madrid legends were going to play a game in the city. Organisers have assembled a collection of marquee names for the match on December 20, with the likes of Xavi Hernández, Luis Figo, Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos expected to play at Hong Kong Stadium. Fans in Hong Kong have had a meagre diet of top-class... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282770/barcelona-and-real-madrid-play-hong-kong-amid-hopes-kai-tak-will-lure-big-guns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282770/barcelona-and-real-madrid-play-hong-kong-amid-hopes-kai-tak-will-lure-big-guns?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:30:08 +0000 A Spanish couple prevented earlier this month from leaving Singapore following a protest against Peter Lim – owner of their football team, Valencia – have been given a “stern warning” and have departed the city state, police said on Tuesday. Police had confiscated the passports of the couple – who were reportedly on their honeymoon – as they were investigated for taking part in a public assembly. Spanish media identified them as Dani Cuesta and his wife Mireia Saez, supporters of Spanish first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282438/valencia-fans-leave-singapore-stern-warning-after-protest-against-owner-peter-lim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282438/valencia-fans-leave-singapore-stern-warning-after-protest-against-owner-peter-lim?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:23:34 +0000 A Spanish couple are under investigation in Singapore after protesting in the Asian city state against the Singaporean owner of Spanish first division football club Valencia, Peter Lim. Dani Cuesta and his wife Mireia Saez, who were reportedly on honeymoon, were stopped at Singapore airport on Friday when they attempted to board a flight to Bali and have been prevented from leaving the country, Valencia mayor Maria Jose Catala said on Tuesday. Cuesta had posted photos of himself on social media... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3281741/singapore-confiscates-couples-passports-after-protest-against-football-club-owner-lim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3281741/singapore-confiscates-couples-passports-after-protest-against-football-club-owner-lim?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:49:35 +0000 Hong Kong is home to football fans from all over the world, a market that elite clubs have targeted to grow their fan bases. But which team has the most supporters in the city? The Post has trawled through the internet, looked at various supporters clubs and analysed Facebook pages to determine the No 1. So here’s a look at the full top 10 … and No 3 in particular might surprise you. 10. Liverpool 4,400 followers The Reds have a supporters group that is officially recognised on the club’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3278069/manchester-united-liverpool-real-madrid-which-most-supported-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3278069/manchester-united-liverpool-real-madrid-which-most-supported-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:30:08 +0000 Football is officially the most popular sport in the world, so it’s no surprise that some of the world’s top soccer players are paid millions for showing off their skills and athleticism. However, you don’t necessarily need to be on the field to make big bucks. Coaches and managers, whose team selections and strategies are partially responsible for how the team performs, are also locking in huge salaries. From legendary students of the game and master motivators, to players-turned-coaches, here... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3276403/8-richest-soccer-coaches-world-2024-net-worths-ranked-spains-pep-guardiola-and-portugals-jose?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3276403/8-richest-soccer-coaches-world-2024-net-worths-ranked-spains-pep-guardiola-and-portugals-jose?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:00:08 +0000 Diego Simeone said travelling to Hong Kong for preseason was a “big step forward for Atletico Madrid” that could help the club grow. The La Liga giants faced Kitchee on Wednesday as part of their preparations for the new season and ran out comfortable 6-1 winners at Hong Kong Stadium. Atletico, who as part of their tour donated HK$1 million (US$128,000) towards football development in Hong Kong, are the first elite European side to play a match in the city since Manchester City in 2019. And team... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3273621/hong-kong-tour-big-step-forward-european-giants-atletico-madrid-says-diego-simeone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3273621/hong-kong-tour-big-step-forward-european-giants-atletico-madrid-says-diego-simeone?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:21:09 +0000 The Chinese embassy in Spain has lodged a protest with Real Madrid, a football club that has millions of fans in China, after a blogger reported being subjected to racist and sexist remarks during a postgame street interview. “The remarks were vulgar and offensive in nature,” the embassy said in a statement on its website on Sunday. On June 2, a Chinese blogger on Showmi, a TikTok account about soccer culture, was conducting a post-match interview on the streets of Britain. The blogger called... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3266141/chinese-embassy-protests-real-madrid-after-fans-racist-and-sexist-video-interview?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3266141/chinese-embassy-protests-real-madrid-after-fans-racist-and-sexist-video-interview?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:35:20 +0000 Fans of Spain’s Valencia CF have marked the 10th anniversary of Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim’s ownership with fresh demands for him to sell the club. Lim, a former stockbroker, bought a majority stake in Valencia in May 2014 through his Hong Kong-based investment company Meriton Holdings Limited. Thousands of Valencia supporters boycotted the team’s final home match of the 2023/24 season on Sunday, May 19, in the latest public demonstration against Lim’s control of the club. After narrowly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265306/spanish-la-liga-valencia-fans-mark-10th-year-singaporean-peter-lims-ownership-new-calls-him-sell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265306/spanish-la-liga-valencia-fans-mark-10th-year-singaporean-peter-lims-ownership-new-calls-him-sell?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:30:09 +0000 Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been voted La Liga’s Player of the Season after the 20-year-old played a pivotal role in leading the club to their 36th league title. Bellingham edged out teammate Vinicius Jnr, Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Artem Dovbyk (Girona) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) in votes cast by fans, club captains and a panel of experts. He scored 19 goals and had six assists in 28 league games this season, and has tallied 23 goals and 12 assists in all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3264551/real-madrids-jude-bellingham-voted-la-liga-player-season-england-midfielder-edged-out-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3264551/real-madrids-jude-bellingham-voted-la-liga-player-season-england-midfielder-edged-out-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 May 2024 12:00:12 +0000 The best advice Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti can give his players as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final is to enjoy the moment, he said on Monday. Heading into his ninth Champions League final – his sixth as a manager and third with Real, who are bidding for a record-extending 15th European crown and sixth in 10 years – the 64-year-old Ancelotti believes his players have the experience to cope with the emotions. “It is a week to enjoy. The challenge, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3264301/uefa-champions-league-final-days-final-are-be-enjoyed-real-madrid-manager-carlo-ancelotti-advises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3264301/uefa-champions-league-final-days-final-are-be-enjoyed-real-madrid-manager-carlo-ancelotti-advises?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 May 2024 14:00:28 +0000 Real Madrid and Germany icon Toni Kroos will retire from professional football following Euro 2024, his club announced on Tuesday. The news comes as a surprise with Los Blancos, who wrapped up the La Liga title earlier this month, set to play in the Uefa Champions League final on June 1. In a statement, Madrid expressed their “gratitude and affection”, adding that Kroos was “one of our club and international football’s greatest legends”. The news has probably come as a shock to Madrid manager... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263529/real-madrid-germany-legend-toni-kroos-announces-he-will-retire-football-after-euro-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263529/real-madrid-germany-legend-toni-kroos-announces-he-will-retire-football-after-euro-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 May 2024 11:01:54 +0000 The napkin used to pen Lionel Messi’s first contract with Barcelona has sold at auction for £762,400 (HK$7.6 million). Signed in blue ink, the napkin was used in December 2000 by then Barca director Charley Rexach to sign a 13-year-old Messi. Also present are the signatures of Josep Minguella, a transfer adviser for the La Liga giants and agent Horacio Gaggioli. The napkin had belonged to Gaggioli, who put it up for auction at London-based company Bonhams with a starting price of £300,000. Messi... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263200/lionel-messis-barcelona-napkin-used-promise-his-first-contract-club-age-13-sells-hk76m-auction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263200/lionel-messis-barcelona-napkin-used-promise-his-first-contract-club-age-13-sells-hk76m-auction?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 May 2024 10:00:36 +0000 Fifa moved on Wednesday towards ending decades of football tradition by reviewing the rules that currently block domestic league games being played in other countries. Fans are likely to object to their teams’ home matches potentially being moved thousands of kilometres away. The United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to be willing hosts to lure competitive games from top European countries, and Fifa recently agreed to withdraw from an ongoing court case in New York filed by promoter... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262802/fifa-moves-towards-ending-decades-football-tradition-and-letting-league-games-be-staged-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262802/fifa-moves-towards-ending-decades-football-tradition-and-letting-league-games-be-staged-other?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2024 13:00:19 +0000 La Liga president Javier Tebas says the league will host matches outside Spain from the 2025-26 season. The comments come after Fifa said they would consider a change to the policy of blocking league matches from being played in other countries as part of an agreement with a football promoter to dismiss a lawsuit against world football’s governing body. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Expansion, Tebas said: “I don’t know when but, this time, yes, La Liga will host official matches abroad. I think... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3260349/real-madrid-v-barcelona-hong-kong-la-liga-president-adamant-official-matches-will-take-place-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3260349/real-madrid-v-barcelona-hong-kong-la-liga-president-adamant-official-matches-will-take-place-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:30:18 +0000 Former Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista said taking El Clasico fixture abroad could be a “very positive” move for the Spanish top flight. This view comes as Carlo Ancelotti’s Real overcame arch-rivals Barcelona in a thrilling five-goal contest on Sunday, following a late winner from English phenomenon Jude Bellingham. Spanish football has already flirted with overseas territories, relocating its Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, resulting in Barcelona meeting Real Madrid in Riyadh in each of the past... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3259877/el-clasico-abroad-could-be-very-positive-la-liga-says-ex-real-madrid-star-bellingham-takes-plaudits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3259877/el-clasico-abroad-could-be-very-positive-la-liga-says-ex-real-madrid-star-bellingham-takes-plaudits?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:30:10 +0000 Fifa said it would consider changes to its policy blocking league matches from being played in other countries, as part of an agreement with a football promoter to dismiss the world governing body from a lawsuit challenging that stance. Relevent Sports lawyer Jeffrey L Kessler filed a letter on Monday in a US District Court in Manhattan stating that Fifa and his client agreed to the dismissal. Keller wrote that Fifa agreed to abide by any injunction arising from the suit, which also includes the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3258299/english-premier-league-or-la-liga-matches-hong-kong-fifa-considers-rule-changes-overseas-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3258299/english-premier-league-or-la-liga-matches-hong-kong-fifa-considers-rule-changes-overseas-games?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:15 +0000 While a number of Hong Kong’s leading footballers publicly seek moves abroad, three schoolboys from the city are accelerating their own development during nine months at a leading academy in Spain. Jay Marc Chan, Darin Tang Hei-nok and Ho Yuen all gained places at Madrid’s pioneering La Liga Academy, after impressing coaches at the organisation’s Hong Kong facility. The project, which opened its doors in 2022, draws the pick of players from satellite centres around the globe, and combines elite... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251627/hong-kong-trio-chasing-football-dreams-la-liga-academy-madrid-base-provides-precious-opportunity-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251627/hong-kong-trio-chasing-football-dreams-la-liga-academy-madrid-base-provides-precious-opportunity-no?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Feb 2024 01:00:25 +0000 Kylian Mbappé’s future and his protracted courtship by Real Madrid is expected to be the key theme of the transfer window that opened in Europe on Monday. Arsenal’s search for a proven goalscorer to spearhead their challenge for a first Premier League title since 2004 could also loom large. Manchester City, meanwhile, are widely expected to let Kalvin Phillips leave the club, ending a disappointing stay for the former Leeds United midfielder who has failed to make his mark at the world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3246970/kylian-mbappes-future-dominate-european-transfer-window-phillips-looks-end-miserable-time-manchester?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3246970/kylian-mbappes-future-dominate-european-transfer-window-phillips-looks-end-miserable-time-manchester?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jan 2024 06:49:56 +0000 Barcelona said they would investigate alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Jnr in their 2-1 Clasico defeat by Real Madrid on Saturday. A video published by Spanish media outlets appeared to show a home supporter calling the Brazilian winger a “monkey”, while an object that looks like a banana skin also appears to be thrown from elsewhere. “FC Barcelona will always defend the values of football and sport such as respect for the opponent and we will investigate any racist insult that may have occurred... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3239584/barcelona-investigate-alleged-racial-abuse-vinicius-jnr-clasico?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3239584/barcelona-investigate-alleged-racial-abuse-vinicius-jnr-clasico?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:20:12 +0000 Spain’s La Liga has confirmed plans to host an outdoor screening of its marquee El Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Central on Saturday. The game has been scheduled for an afternoon kick-off in Spain, in a move designed to suit Asian audiences who would otherwise be forced out of bed in the early hours to watch. The Grounds, at Central’s AIA Vitality Park, will be decorated in the colours of both teams, with the action beamed on a giant screen. Real Madrid are sitting pretty at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3238793/hong-kong-fans-get-big-screen-showing-el-clasico-barcelona-and-real-madrid-set-afternoon-kick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3238793/hong-kong-fans-get-big-screen-showing-el-clasico-barcelona-and-real-madrid-set-afternoon-kick?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Oct 2023 08:00:16 +0000 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the close season after 14 trophy-laden years, the La Liga club said on Sunday, with the striker set to move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. Saudi Arabia’s state-run Al Ekhbariya television station reported that Al Ittihad had reached an agreement with Benzema on a two-year contract, with club officials in Madrid to hammer out a “record deal” with the striker. The 35-year-old Frenchman had looked set to stay at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3222912/karim-benzema-leaves-real-madrid-set-join-saudi-arabias-al-ittihad-record-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3222912/karim-benzema-leaves-real-madrid-set-join-saudi-arabias-al-ittihad-record-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jun 2023 12:12:07 +0000 Spanish police arrested seven people on Tuesday over the racial abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian star was spared a ban for his red card against Valencia. The forward was targeted by Valencia fans on Sunday, sparking an international outcry, and the Spanish club had one stand of their stadium shut for five games by the Spanish football authorities late on Tuesday. Spain’s football league, La Liga, has been engulfed in a racism scandal after the 22-year-old was subjected to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3221611/spain-arrests-7-people-over-vinicius-jnr-racism-incidents-real-madrid-star-spared-ban-red-card?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3221611/spain-arrests-7-people-over-vinicius-jnr-racism-incidents-real-madrid-star-spared-ban-red-card?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 May 2023 02:41:30 +0000 The lights on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer were switched off for an hour on Monday night in a display of solidarity with Vinicius Jnr after the Brazil forward was racially abused during a club match in Spain. The lights were turned off at 6pm local time to cap a day when the Brazilian government and the world of football united to condemn the racial slurs aimed at the Real Madrid player during a Spanish league match on Sunday. The Archdiocesan Sanctuary that manages the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3221477/vinicius-jnr-lights-go-out-christ-redeemer-statue-support-real-madrid-star-spain-investigates-racist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3221477/vinicius-jnr-lights-go-out-christ-redeemer-statue-support-real-madrid-star-spain-investigates-racist?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 May 2023 02:39:15 +0000 Mallorca fans were filmed racially abusing Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jnr in their Son Moix stadium during their 1-0 upset win against the La Liga holders on Sunday. Supporters could be heard calling the 22-year-old Brazilian player a monkey in a video published by streaming company DAZN on social media. Mallorca did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But in a radio interview club manager Javier Aguirre denied that his players had targeted Vinicius in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3209198/real-madrids-vinicius-jnr-victim-again-racist-abuse-mallorca?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3209198/real-madrids-vinicius-jnr-victim-again-racist-abuse-mallorca?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Feb 2023 02:38:55 +0000 This winter is heating up thanks to what may be the most exciting World Cup in history. The Fifa World Cup 2022 will take place from November 20 to December 18 in the Middle Eastern state Qatar this year, bringing forward the best national teams and players for the world to watch. From legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to younger stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, not only are they impressive on the field, but at the bank too. These are the highest-paid football... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3196620/10-richest-football-stars-2022-net-worths-ranked-among-manchester-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3196620/10-richest-football-stars-2022-net-worths-ranked-among-manchester-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:10:10 +0000 Former football star Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, also known as Ronaldo, has revealed he is in therapy following a battle with depression as the Brazil great bemoaned the way mental health problems were “absolutely ignored” during his playing days. The former PSV, Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid superstar was widely recognised as one of the finest players of his generation. Ronaldo went to four World Cups with Brazil and won both the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball in their 2002 success,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3196108/brazils-former-football-superstar-ronaldo-reveals-battle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3196108/brazils-former-football-superstar-ronaldo-reveals-battle?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Oct 2022 15:25:48 +0000 Chinese forward Wu Lei will rejoin Shanghai Port FC from next season after three years with Spanish La Liga side Espanyol. The Chinese Super League confirmed the move on Thursday after weeks of speculation about his return to Shanghai – where he began his senior career in 2006, and scored 151 goals in 296 appearances, before making the jump to European football. During his time with Catalan club Espanyol, the 30-year-old scored 16 goals and provided six assists across 126 appearances. In a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3188560/wu-lei-returns-shanghai-port-after-three-year-stint-espanyol?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3188560/wu-lei-returns-shanghai-port-after-three-year-stint-espanyol?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:17:32 +0000 Espanyol striker Wu Lei bagged a last-gasp goal on Sunday, ending his 666-day goal drought in La Liga, to drive his team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Wu’s first goal of the season in the 89th minute gave Espanyol a much-needed boost as they revive hopes of a top half finish. But for Wu himself it confirms a controversial decision to opt out of the last two Fifa World Cup qualifiers to focus on Espanol. “I’m happy that my goal helped the team to win and I’m thankful for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3173818/chinese-star-wu-lei-called-light-chinese-football-he-ends-666-day-goal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3173818/chinese-star-wu-lei-called-light-chinese-football-he-ends-666-day-goal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:49:41 +0000 Real Madrid are hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit in their Uefa Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. With serious injury doubts over PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe, who scored the only goal in the first leg, as well as increasing speculation over Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s future, and a potential homecoming for Sergio Ramos, there are several fascinating wrinkles ahead of this clash of titans. Here’s what you need to know before two of Europe’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3169694/real-madrid-vs-psg-champions-league-team-news-head-head-odds-kylian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3169694/real-madrid-vs-psg-champions-league-team-news-head-head-odds-kylian?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:37:35 +0000 Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero is set to announce his retirement this week following a cardiac evaluation, ending the Argentine’s career at 33, Spanish newspaper El Periodico reported on Monday. Barca declined to comment and the player’s agent and friends were not available to confirm the information. However, sources close to the situation confirmed to Reuters that a ceremony was being prepared by the club for Wednesday. The former Manchester City and Atletico Madrid player, who arrived at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3159545/barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-announce-his-retirement-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3159545/barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-announce-his-retirement-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:33:15 +0000 Barcelona dropped more points in La Liga after failing to beat Alaves on Saturday as their first game since the sacking of Ronald Koeman ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Camp Nou. Sergio Aguero had to be taken to hospital for tests after suffering breathing problems during the first half of the game. Aguero was able to walk off the pitch and Barca’s interim manager Sergi Barjuan said afterwards: “I asked him and he told me he was dizzy. I was told he went to hospital. I don’t know anything... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3154323/barcelona-held-alaves-first-game-after-ronald-koeman-dismissal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3154323/barcelona-held-alaves-first-game-after-ronald-koeman-dismissal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Oct 2021 02:24:11 +0000