Saudi Arabia is set to host World Cup 2034 after Australia chose not to bid, with Amnesty International demanding human rights commitments if they are confirmed. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia submitted to FIFA its official intention to host the men’s event after football’s governing body restricted the process to countries from Oceania and Asia.
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Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for an eighth time. The 36-year-old was recognised at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. Messi won his record-extending Ballon d’Or award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
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Jude Bellingham scored an incredible equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner to help Real Madrid come from behind to beat rivals Barcelona on his first El Clasico appearance. Ilkay Gundogan had given Barcelona an early lead but a second half revival dramatically changed the complexion of the game.
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Tottenham Hotspur moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and continued their superb start to the season with a win at Crystal Palace. The visitors took control after the break and benefitted from a huge slice of fortune with the opener when Palace defender Joel Ward turned James Maddison’s cross into his own net.
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Aston Villa climbed to the top of Group E in the Europa Conference League after a classy victory against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion. Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans got Villa off to the perfect start with a goal apiece in the space of 10 first-half minutes.
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