Kick Off: Mbappé suffered knee ligament injury; Ivory Coast staged a comeback

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out. Above all, happy new year!

Top Headlines

Kylian Mbappé set for spell on the sidelines with knee ligament injury

Kylian Mbappé (27) is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee ligameny injury, according to L’Equipe.

Gabon 2-3 Côte d'Ivoire: The Elephants charge back with a stunning comeback

Substitute Bazoumana Toure secured a dramatic 3-2 win for Ivory Coast against Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations, to qualify for the round of 16 as Group F winners.

Match Reports

Mozambique 1-2 Cameroon: Kofane with a stunning golazo to seal the comeback

Kofane with a stunning golazo to seal the comeback.

Sudan 0-2 Burkina Faso: Kouassi secured the victory, and both teams advanced

Kouassi secured the victory, and both teams advanced.

Equatorial Guinea 1-3 Algeria: The Desert Foxes advance with 3 wins

Algeria secured top spot in Group E at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 100% record after they beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1.

These Things Happen

Average attendance at European club matches in 2025: Dortmund first

On December 31, Transfermarkt listed the top 20 European clubs by average attendance in 2025. Borussia Dortmund topped the list with over 81,000 spectators, followed by Bayern Munich with 75,000, Manchester United with approximately 74,000, and Real Madrid with approximately 73,000.

The best of 2025: Kane, Salah and Mbappe shine in Europe's top five leagues

The curtain is coming down on another year, which has seen some brilliant footballing moments.

Here we go! Romano: Brighton agree surprise deal to sign Groß from Dortmund

According to Romano, Brighton agree surprise deal to sign Pascal Groß from Borussia Dortmund.

Team of the Year 2025: Kane, Mbappe, Messi among stars taking who make shortlist

To select the Team of the Year, TRIBALFOOTBAL used their internal player rating system just as they do for their Team of the Week. However, there were some further constraints on who could make the XI.

Why 'Bam Bam' Jeremie Frimpong is the bedrock of Liverpool's big revival

Bam bam. Those were the words used by Arne Slot on Saturday to describe Jeremie Frimpong, describing his raw pace and ability to make something out of nothing to unlock a tight defensive rearguard.

Guardiola remains tight-lipped about Semenyo speculation

Pep Guardiola insisted that he does not know "any news" about a potential move to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo.

Here we go! Romano: Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Manor Solomon

According to Romano, Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Manor Solomon.

Enzo Maresca in danger of losing Chelsea job unless results improve in January

Enzo Maresca will have to improve results at Chelsea quickly if he wants to keep his job after a run of one win in seven at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid and Brazil Legend Roberto Carlos recovering after emergency surgery

Reports claim that the 52-year-old, who earned 128 caps for Brazil between 1992 and 2006, went for a medical test on his leg, where he “has a small blood clot”.

Olise tops the most assists in Europe Big Five leagues , Cherki the second

Wrapping up the year of 2025, the top players with the most assists are also revealed. According to football statistics website Squawka, the accolade goes to Michael Olise with 18 assists, Cherki is second with only three less, and the Red Devil's captain Bruno Fernandes fueled the team with 12 assists. 

Emery and Arteta play down no handshake incident after Arsenal-Villa clash

Both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta insisted there is no problem between the pair after they did not shake hands following Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Juventus is working on renewing their head coach Spaletti's contract to 2028

According to Gazetta Italia, the Juventus coach is under contract until June with an automatic extension in the event of qualification for the Champions League, but at Continassa there is a desire to anticipate the timing for a new long-term agreement.

Neymar 'makes decision on next career move' as he fights to make Brazil WC squad

Neymar has reportedly agreed to extend his contract at Santos by another year in his fight to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.

What They Say

Vicario: Italy will go to the World Cup; Donnarumma ‘guy with endless kindness’

As Italy prepares for their World Cup playoffs in March next year against Northern Ireland, Guglielmo Vicario accepts the interview to talk about his vision on World Cup, his teammate Donnarumma, and more. 

Zanetti: Chivu always had ability to become a coach

Inter vice-president and former captain Javier Zanetti believes it is no surprise that Cristian Chivu became a coach at the top level.

Napoli director on Hojlund's future: He considers himself a Napoli player

In 20 appearances, Hojlund has scored nine goals and three goals under manager Antonio Conte, who certainly knows how to get the best out of the Danish international.

Leeds ‘could fear the worst’ when facing Liverpool, says Farke

Daniel Farke believes his Leeds United side “could fear the worst” when facing the attacking talent of Liverpool at Anfield.

Fixtures of the day

EPL

Crystal Palace VS Fulham 2026/1/1 17:30 UTC

Liverpool VS Leeds United 2026/1/1 17:30 UTC

Brentford VS Tottenham Hotspur 2026/1/1 20:00 UTC

Sunderland VS Manchester City 2026/1/1 20:00 UTC