Shafaq News- Bangkok

Iraq's U20 football team completed its Thailand training camp unbeaten on Tuesday after a 0-0 friendly draw with Iran in Bangkok ahead of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifiers.

The result followed a 1-0 win over Kuwait and a 2-1 victory against Indonesia, giving Iraq two wins and a draw from its three warm-up matches.

Iraq will now compete in Group F in Chonburi against host Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkmenistan. The team opens against Turkmenistan on August 31, faces the UAE on September 3, and plays Thailand on September 6.

The 2027 qualifiers are the first to use the AFC's new two-stage system, with eight group winners and the seven best runners-up advancing to the finals alongside host China.

Iraq reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup after finishing second in Group B with one win and two draws. Australia eliminated Iraq 3-2 after twice coming from behind before going on to win the tournament.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold renewed his contractthrough the 2027 AFC Asian Cup on Monday.

According to Arnold, the Iraqi Football Association (IFA)had offered him a four-year deal but he opted for a contract running throughthe Asian Cup

“I returned early to watch and identify new players ahead of the Gulf Cupand Asian Cup and to build the team for the future,” Arnold revealed. “You willsee new faces the next phase.”

Addressing reports that his family hadinfluenced his decision not to sign a longer contract, Arnold said they fullysupported him and hoped he could deliver the success Iraq deserved.

The Australian coach indicated that he wasclosely following domestic league matches and urged players to maintain theirfitness and remain ready for a national team call-up. “Any player selected torepresent Iraq must be physically and technically prepared for the challengesahead.”

Despite Iraq currently ranking eighth in Asia, Arnold said he believed theteam could rise to second or third and qualify for the World Cup.

Shafaq News

Barcelona could part with Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Hector Fort before the summer transfer window closes after all three were omitted from Sunday's 5-0 LaLiga win over Elche.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that Hansi Flick allowed the trio to remain in Barcelona while their futures are resolved, placing all three among the players who could leave during the final week of the market.

Balde, 22, has been a regular first-team player for several seasons after graduating from La Masia, making 42 official appearances in 2025/26 and 47 the previous campaign.

Barcelona recently signed Joao Cancelo permanently from Al-Hilal until June 2029 after the Portuguese full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at the club, operating mainly on the left under Flick.

"I think he is not at 100 percent, that he is not here, and that is why I decided to leave him in Barcelona," Flick explained before the game, adding that he wanted the defender to clear his head before his situation was reassessed.

Earlier today, AS reported that Flick sees Cancelo as his preferred option at left-back and that Barcelona are prepared to consider selling Balde if a suitable offer arrives. The club had asked his agent, Jorge Mendes, to seek an “attractive” proposal.

Manchester United have also been linked with Balde. ESPN reported on Monday that the Spain international is open to a Premier League move, while AS described United as a long-standing admirer. No agreement has been announced.

AS also reported that people close to the 22-year-old say he wants to stay at Barcelona and views Flick's comments as a challenge rather than a decision to push him out.

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Casado, 22, became an important part of Flick's squad during the 2024/25 campaign but saw his playing time decline last season amid competition from Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez. He is considering interest from England and Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, while the Guardian has linked Sunderland with the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Fort, 20, spent last season on loan at Elche after making 29 senior appearances for Barcelona. AS reported that Borussia Dortmund have intensified talks over a permanent transfer and that Fort favors the Bundesliga club among his options. Barcelona are seeking more than $11 million, although no agreement has been reached.

All three players came through Barcelona's academy, and their futures remain unresolved ahead of the transfer deadline.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's women's volleyball team suffered a second straight defeat at the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Continental Championship on Sunday, losing 3-0 to Chinese Taipei in their first appearance in the competition.

The result followed a 3-0 opening defeat to hosts China, who won 25-4, 25-6, 25-6.

Iraq are the only Arab team in the 12-nation championship and are competing in the tournament for the first time after the women's national side was reestablished in 2022 following more than two decades of inactivity.

The squad prepared through two training camps in Erbil, but Iraqi Volleyball Federation President Habib Ali Al-Lawandi said financial constraints prevented an overseas camp or international friendlies before the tournament.

Iraq are in Pool A with China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran, with the championship running in Tianjin from August 21 to 30.

Shafaq News- Madrid

Real Madrid opened their LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win at Espanyol on Saturday as Carlo Espi scored a 90th-minute winner on his competitive debut.

🎙️ Mourinho 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/MnOh2J74Ao

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 22, 2026

Jude Bellingham headed Madrid in front from Arda Guler’s cross in the ninth minute before Alex Calatrava equalised for Espanyol in the 30th.

Mourinho turned to his bench in search of a winner, and Espi struck 10 minutes after coming on to secure three points in the Portuguese coach’s first competitive match since returning to the club.

Mourinho began his second spell at Real Madrid this summer on a contract through June 30, 2029, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013.

Although the fixture was part of LaLiga’s second round, it was Madrid’s season opener after their match against Real Sociedad was postponed to August 26 because of players’ World Cup participation.

Shafaq News- Dortmund

Bayern Munich won the German Super Cup on Saturday afterbeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park stadium.

Nathanael Brown opened the scoring after combining withMichael Olise, breaking through on goal and finishing low to put Bayern ahead. Olisemade it 2-0 a minute later, working his way into the penalty area before firinginto the bottom-left corner.

Fabio Silva eventually pulled one back for Dortmund afterreceiving the ball from Daniel Svensson inside the penalty area.

Shafaq News- Dortmund

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will contest the first major trophy of the German season on Saturday when they meet in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup at Signal Iduna Park.

Bayern arrive as Bundesliga and DFB Cup double winners, while runners-up Dortmund host the 9:30 p.m. Baghdad time clash looking to strike an early blow against the defending German champions.

Vincent Kompany is expected to have Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz available in attack, while Jamal Musiala will miss the match as Bayern continue to manage his treatment for a neurological dysfunction.

Dortmund are without Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, although Waldemar Anton is available again and Carney Chukwuemeka has returned to team training. Niko Kovac could also turn to several summer arrivals, with Konstantinos Karetsas impressing in preseason and Joey Veerman and Giannis Konstantelias expected to be available. Serhou Guirassy is likely to lead the attack.

The fixture will be the 10th official Supercup meeting between the clubs. Bayern have won five of the previous nine and Dortmund four.

Shafaq News

FIFA handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-matchinternational ban on Friday and sanctioned four other players and staff overincidents following Spain's victory in the 2026 World Cup final.

Paredes also received a $90,000 fine. FIFA had openedproceedings against him over three alleged assault offences linked to thepost-match confrontation.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for sevenmatches and fined $90,000 after facing two assault charges, one completed andone attempted, as well as a charge of unsporting behaviour.

Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and $30,000 fine forunsporting behaviour, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala wassuspended for three matches and fined $30,000 after being investigated forassault.

Spain midfielder Gavi was the only Spanish playersanctioned, receiving a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine for unsportingbehaviour.

FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000over broader disciplinary breaches during the World Cup, including teammisconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures, security failures and the useof sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.

Among the incidents cited in the proceedings was Argentina'sdisplay of a "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" banner after theirsemifinal victory over England. Argentina were also ordered to play homeinternationals with spectator capacity restricted to 50%, although part of thatsanction was suspended subject to a probationary period.

The sanctions followed Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory overArgentina in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where FerranTorres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.

Shafaq News- Najaf

FIFA has closed disciplinary proceedings against Iraq's Najaf FC and permanently lifted the registration ban linked to the case after the club settled the required payments.

In a letter, FIFA said its Clearing House had received the training rewards due from Najaf, while its Finance Department confirmed payment of a CHF 1,000 fine. The governing body also asked the Iraqi Football Association to immediately lift the corresponding national-level ban.

The decision applies only to this case and does not affect any other registration ban that may currently be imposed on the club, FIFA clarified.

Najaf's interim administration welcomed the closure of the proceedings and credited licensing director Hasnain Falah with completing the required procedures.

President Ammar Najm told Shafaq News in July that unpaid dues included 550 million Iraqi dinars (~$420K) owed to local players, 3.2 billion dinars ($2.44M) in older obligations and another $500,000 owed to foreign players following disciplinary cases and penalties.

The financial problems had already prompted Najaf to suspend sporting activities in December 2025. Najaf later finished 19th in the 2025/26 Iraq Stars League with 25 points from 38 matches and were relegated from the top flight.

Shafaq News- Barcelona

Barcelona are still searching for a centre-forward after losing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer, with their leading options blocked, unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Julian Alvarez had been the club’s priority, but Atletico Madrid have refused to negotiate his departure despite the Argentine’s desire to leave. Barcelona then turned to Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, although that route has also stalled, with Inter determined to keep him.

Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez remains one of the clearest alternatives. Cadena SER reported that Barcelona contacted the Colombian’s representatives, but no talks have taken place between the clubs. Sporting have pointed to a release clause worth about $93 million after Suarez scored 28 league goals last season.

Barcelona are also considering Club Brugge forward Nicolò Tresoldi, while Viktor Gyokeres, Serhou Guirassy and Vangelis Pavlidis are among other names discussed as the search widens.

The need has grown after Lewandowski left following four seasons at the club and Ferran joined Paris Saint-Germain after scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season.

Cadena SER has also reported differing views inside Barcelona, with Hansi Flick favouring a traditional No. 9 while sporting director Deco is more open to a fluid attack without a fixed centre-forward.

Barcelona have younger internal options in Òscar Gistau and Hamza Abdelkarim, both 18, but neither has established himself at senior level, leaving the club to choose between a costly external signing or a more flexible attacking setup.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Iraqi Wrestling Federation has selected two wrestlers for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, including Asian medalist Sajjad Ali Mukasr.

Federation Vice-President Mehdi Hassan Ismaeel told Shafaq News that Mukasr will compete in the 60kg Greco-Roman division, while Husein Khudhur Jasim will enter the 57kg freestyle event.

Mukasr, 25, won silver at the 2025 Asian Championships at 55kg and later took bronze at 60kg at the Islamic Solidarity Games. Khudhur, 24, finished fifth at the 2025 Asian Championships and won the 2024 Arab Championship at 57kg.

Ismaeel said Nazir Mohammed Ali had been appointed to lead the Iraqi team. The wrestlers have completed a domestic training camp, with an overseas camp also planned before the Games.

The Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling staged at Nagoya City Inae Sports Center.

Shafaq News

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF are weighing whether to pursue an unprecedented no-confidence vote against FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid a widening governance dispute, senior figures familiar with the talks told Reuters on Thursday.

The discussions follow the collapse of Infantino's proposal to sell private investors a minority stake in a new FIFA commercial entity controlling World Cup commercial rights. The three confederations opposed the plan over transparency, consultation and governance concerns.

In FIFA's 122-year history, its Congress has never held a formal no-confidence vote against a sitting president. The confederations have not publicly confirmed that such a vote will be pursued.

Under FIFA statutes, the Council must convene an Extraordinary Congress if at least 43 of its 211 member associations submit a written request specifying the agenda. The statutes contain no specific no-confidence mechanism, though FIFA's general rules provide for decisions by a simple majority of valid votes unless otherwise specified.

Pressure on Infantino increased after the departure of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who had criticized the investment proposal. FIFA gave no reason for his exit, while Vice-President Sandor Csanyi described it as a dismissal and withdrew his support for the president.

Infantino intends to seek re-election in March 2027 and retains significant backing, including from the Confederation of African Football and several Arab associations. No challenger has publicly entered the race ahead of the November 18 nomination deadline.

European Football Clubs, representing more than 800 teams, has also warned that members could refuse to participate in future men's and women's Club World Cups unless FIFA addresses governance concerns.

Shafaq News- Barcelona

FC Barcelona beat Egyptian side Al Ahly 2-1 at Spotify Camp Nou onWednesday to win the Joan Gamper Trophy for a record-extending 48th time.

Hamza Abdelkarim put Barcelona ahead in the 30th minute before Raphinhadoubled the lead just before halftime, giving the hosts a 2-0 advantage at thebreak.

حمزة عبد الكريم يسجل الهدف الأول لبرشلونة في مرمى الأهلي 📷📷#ON pic.twitter.com/13nqEFS3AX

— ON (@ONTVEgy) August 19, 2026

Al Ahly responded seven minutes into the second half when Ahmed MostafaZizo pulled a goal back to bring the Egyptian side within one.

زيزو يقلص الفارق ويحرز الهدف الأول 🔥 داخل شباك برشلونة في الدقيقة 6 من الشوط الثاني#الأهلي 1#برشلونة 2#ON pic.twitter.com/zmXOZvSwCy

— ON (@ONTVEgy) August 19, 2026

Barcelona had a chance to restore its two-goal cushion in stoppage time,but Anthony Gordon missed a penalty in the 91st minute. Gordon joined Barcelonathis summer from English club Newcastle United.

Al Ahly pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes. Barcelona heldon to secure the victory and lift the Joan Gamper Trophy for the 48th time.

Shafaq News- Barcelona

Barcelona officially signed Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City on Tuesday on a contract through June 30, 2030.

The master of space and time touches down in Barcelona ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/BESJxrGg3w

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2026

The 30-year-old joins for a reported fee of about $89 million after Barcelona beat Real Madrid to his signature.

He arrives after captaining Spain to the 2026 World Cup title and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball, two years after claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Rodri spent six seasons at Manchester City after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups.

He also scored the winner against Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.

Rodri recently underwent minor back surgery and is expected to miss the start of the season while recovering. At Barcelona, he joins a midfield featuring Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to defend their LaLiga title and challenge again in the Champions League.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iranian football club Esteghlal haveselected Iraq’s Basra International Stadium as their preferred neutral venuefor AFC Champions League Elite home matches in the 2026/27 season, with finalapproval still pending.

The Asian Football Confederationrequires Iranian clubs to stage continental home fixtures outside Iran.Esteghlal cited Basra’s proximity, easier travel for supporters, and suitablesporting infrastructure.

Basra has been the club’s leadingoption for several weeks, while Uzbekistan remains an alternative if schedulingor venue requirements prevent the move.

Iranian football officials have alsoraised concerns over multiple clubs sharing Basra International Stadium,although Tractor’s expected move elsewhere could ease the issue.

Esteghlal are among Iran’srepresentatives in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite, with theleague-stage draw scheduled for August 18 in Kuala Lumpur.

Shafaq News- Barcelona

Barcelona football club legend Sergio Busquets has returnedto the club as assistant coach of Barça Atlètic, beginning his coaching careeralongside reserve-team manager Juliano Belletti.

The 38-year-old will work with Belletti while completing hiscoaching qualifications, with Barcelona saying he will bring his experience andfootball knowledge to the development of the club’s young players.

Busquets retired after two and a half seasons with InterMiami, returning to Barcelona three years after ending his 15-season spell withthe club.

A La Masia graduate, he made 722 appearances for Barcelona,the third-highest total in club history, and won 32 trophies, including nineLaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Barça Atlètic compete in Spain’s fourth tier, with Busquetsjoining Belletti’s staff as the reserve side seeks promotion while continuingto develop players for the first team.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq will send five boxers to an international tournament in Kazakhstan this week in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games despite severe financial constraints, the national federation said.

Iraqi Boxing Federation President Ali Takleef told Shafaq News that the Almaty tournament begins on August 20 and will feature competitors from across Asia and Europe. Iraq's squad includes Al-Muhaimin Ali Takleef and Abbas Qasim at 55kg, Mohammad Anwar and Mohammad Sattar at 60kg, and Ali Qasim at 65kg.

Kazakhstan-born national team coach Darkhan Dyussembekov had seen clear progress from the boxers during their training camp, Takleef said, adding that the federation would continue funding preparations for international competitions despite what he described as a severe financial crisis.

The Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with boxing competition beginning on September 21.

Read more: 2026 budget: Iraq confronts unprecedented fiscal strain

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq football national team head coach Graham Arnold on Monday returned to Baghdad to finalize his contract extension and begin preparations for the Arabian Gulf Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The Australian had already accepted a deal running through February 20, 2027, with the possibility of a new agreement from March 1 covering Iraq’s 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign or finals participation.

Arnold is expected to monitor Iraq Stars League matches as he assesses domestic players ahead of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6.

Iraq are grouped with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait and will face the hosts in their final group match on September 29 before turning attention to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Arnold took charge in May 2025 and led Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Despite a group-stage exit in 2026, the federation opted to retain him as it seeks continuity into the next cycle.

Shafaq News- Barcelona

Rodri is closing in on a return to the Spanish leagueafter Barcelona agreed a deal worth about 65 million pounds ($88M) withManchester City for the Spain midfielder, according to the latest developmentsin transfer negotiations.

The 30-year-old is set to sign a four-year contract withBarcelona, with the final formalities of the transfer due to be completed inthe coming days.

Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in2019 for 62.8 million pounds (around $85M) and became a central figure in the club'smidfield. He made 298 appearances over seven seasons, helping City win 12 majortrophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cupsand the Champions League in the 2022-23 season.

His spell at City was interrupted by injuries. Rodrimissed much of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury andlater sustained a hamstring problem. He returned to form at the most recentWorld Cup, helping Spain claim the title for the second time and earning thetournament's best-player award.

Barcelona initially offered 38.5 million pounds ($52.2M) for themidfielder last week, but City rejected the bid as Rodri approached the finalyear of his contract.

Shafaq News-Baghdad

The formerpresident of the Iraqi Football Association, Hussein Saeed, said on Saturdaythat the licensing committee failed in its duties during the opening round ofthe Iraq Stars League, after clearing two stadiums he considered unfit to hostmatches.

Saeed toldShafaq News that the pitches at the Diyala and Zakho stadiums were in poorcondition and not suitable for competitive play. “The licensing committeeshould have monitored stadium readiness continuously in the period leading upto the start of the season.”

Saeed, whoserves as an advisor to the Iraqi Olympic Committee, questioned why clubs wereleft to play on grounds that, in his view, were not ready for the launch of the2026-2027 Iraq Stars League, Iraq's top professional football division.

Bothstadiums nonetheless hosted victories for the home sides on Saturday evening.Zakho beat visiting Ghaz Al-Shamal 1-0, while Diyala recovered from a goal downto defeat Al-Talaba 2-1 at its home ground.

In 2025, theFootball Association listed several grounds as unfit to host the 2025–26 StarsLeague season, citing damaged playing surfaces.

Read more: Iraq's game changer: Football pitches become political arenas

Shafaq News- Cardiff

Arsenal opened the 2026/27 campaign by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday, claiming the season’s first domestic trophy with a dominant performance.

The Community Shield is OURS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DH7uzHkMvK

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 16, 2026

Riccardo Calafiori scored after just 24 seconds, converting Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass for the fastest goal in Community Shield history, before Kai Havertz doubled the lead in the 28th minute from Christos Tzolis’ assist. Martin Odegaard added the third after halftime, while David Raya denied Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo to preserve the clean sheet.

Summer signings Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes both started as Mikel Arteta integrated new arrivals into the core of last season’s Premier League-winning side.

The defeat marked Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match as Manchester City manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure, with Elliot Anderson also making his competitive debut.

Full-time.🔴 3-0 🩵 @okx pic.twitter.com/o8FLtTuSzm

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 16, 2026

The win extends Arsenal’s perfect Community Shield record against City and gives the defending Premier League champions an early trophy before the league season begins.

Shafaq News- Paris

Paris Saint-Germain signed Spain forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona on Saturday on a contract through 2031, with the transfer reportedly worth about $57.8 million.

The 26-year-old reunites with Luis Enrique, who previously coached him with Spain, and joins the European champions after four and a half seasons at Barcelona.

Bienvenue à Paris ! ✍️❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/pS3RVLgW7N

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 15, 2026

Ferran made 207 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 65 goals and providing seven assists while winning three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups. Last season, he recorded 21 goals and three assists in 49 matches across all competitions, including 16 league goals that earned him a share of the Zarra Trophy as LaLiga’s leading Spanish scorer.

He also arrives in Paris as a 2026 World Cup winner after scoring Spain’s extra-time winner against Argentina in the final. Ferran has 25 goals in 65 appearances for the national team.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s U19 women’s table tennis team won gold at the West Asia Championships in Amman on Saturday, with Nasma Moayad, Barin Shakhwan, and Athmar Aqeel representing the title-winning side.

Iraq remains in contention across several other categories, with the U15 team set to face Saudi Arabia in the final, the U13 boys and men’s teams reaching the semifinals, and both U11 teams advancing to their respective finals.

The national delegation will also compete in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events as the tournament continues.

Shafaq News- London

Cristian Romero has confirmed his departure from Tottenham Hotspur as the Argentina defender closes in on a move to Atletico Madrid after five seasons in North London.

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Tottenham and Atlético have agreed a package worth about $46 million including add-ons, with Spurs retaining a 15% sell-on clause. Cadena SER reported that the 28-year-old is expected to sign through 2031 after Diego Simeone made him a priority defensive target.

Romero had also attracted interest from Inter Milan and was linked with Arsenal before Atlético moved ahead in negotiations.

The centre-back joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021, later became club captain and established himself as a key figure in defense. He also won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.

Shafaq News- Istanbul

Marco Asensio has rebuilt his career at Fenerbahçe after leaving Real Madrid in 2023 and struggling for a sustained role at Paris Saint-Germain.

The 30-year-old remains a regular starter for the Turkish club and has featured throughout their Champions League qualifying campaign, helping Fenerbahçe beat Sturm Graz 3-0 on aggregate to set up a playoff against Lyon.

Real Madrid Success

Asensio made 286 appearances and scored 61 goals for Real Madrid between 2016 and 2023, winning 17 trophies, including three Champions League titles and three LaLiga championships.

He scored on his competitive debut in the 2016 UEFA Super Cup and later netted in the 2017 Champions League final win over Juventus before leaving on a free transfer when his contract expired.

PSG Struggles to Aston Villa Loan

Asensio joined PSG in 2023 and recorded seven goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances, but his playing time declined during his second season.

Aston Villa signed him on loan in February 2025 after Reuters reported he had played only 18 minutes across PSG’s previous eight Ligue 1 matches. He went on to score eight goals and provide one assist in 21 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.

Fenerbahçe Revival

Fenerbahçe signed Asensio permanently in September 2025 on a three-year contract with an option for another season. He quickly regained a prominent attacking role, reaching 13 goals and 14 assists in 37 matches by April 2026 before a left-knee ligament strain interrupted his season.

Asensio remained outside Spain’s national team and was not recalled before the 2026 World Cup, but his club role has remained secure.

Asensio started both legs against Sturm Graz and contributed an assist in the first match as Fenerbahçe advanced to face Lyon for a place in the Champions League league phase. The Turkish club have also strengthened around him with high-profile summer additions including Mason Greenwood, Nathan Aké, Vedat Muriqi and Romelu Lukaku.