stars in Europe - Ba strike takes Chelsea through

Ba's finish came just as Chelsea looked to be on the way out after Schurrle and Oscar were both denied by the woodwork - although the London side were helped by a crucial miss from the normally reliable Edinson Cavani minutes before the decisive goal. 

9 Apr 2014
stars in Europe - Eto'o could return for Chelsea vs PSG

Striker Samuel Eto'o could be available for Chelsea when they face Paris-St Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

8 Apr 2014
NATIONAL TEAM - BENIN - COACH - Didier Olle-Nicolle appointed Benin coach

Frenchman Didier Olle-Nicolle has been appointed coach of Benin, replacing compatriot Manuel Amoros.

18 Mar 2014
NATIONAL TEAM - BENIN - COACH - Algerian Djamel Belmadi appointed Qatar coach

Algerian Djamel Belmadi has been installed as the new coach of Qatar's national team, the country's football association has revealed.  
 

17 Mar 2014
NATIONAL TEAM - Nigeria - Lukman Haruna hopeful over World Cup prospects

Dynamo Kiev midfielder Lukman Haruna hopes he can still make Nigeria's World Cup squad. The 23-year old has not played for the Super Eagles since the last World Cup in South Africa.

16 Mar 2014

Stars in Europe - Austria - Keyplayer - Transfer - Alaba's surprise move

David Alaba

The Detail
David Alaba has completed a surprise free transfer to Udinese, signing a one-year deal through June 2027 following his Real Madrid exit on 1 July 2026. 

The Breakdown
"Austrian star, a dream signing for the Italian club."

The Credentials
Two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich, two more with Real Madrid, 30-plus major trophies, and 117 caps for Austria. Alaba made over 400 appearances at Bayern before a 2021 move to Madrid. A decorated career is now landing in Serie A.

The Fine Print
Injuries disrupted Alaba's final Real Madrid seasons, and Alaba reportedly accepted a significant pay cut from his salary to make the Udinese move happen.

Why Udinese
A rough start to the season (13th place), 11 goals conceded in five matches, and a defense hit by injuries and departures pushed Udinese into the market. Udinese can deploy Alaba in a back three or as left-sided centre-back, adding experience to a shaky rearguard.

The Bigger Picture
Bigger Serie A names like Juventus, Napoli, Milan and Inter were linked but never pursued a deal. Udinese moved decisively once Alaba became available, completing his medical in Rome before heading north to sign.

The Closer
Udine's newest veteran leader steps in. 

 

23 Sep 2026
afrofootball

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