USWNT, Morgan take home top honors at ESPYS

Official: Youssef El-Arabi Joins FC Nantes

Moroccan striker Youssef El-Arabi has completed a free transfer to French club FC Nantes.

The 38-year-old has signed a two-year contract after a strong season with Cypriot side APOEL, where he scored 14 goals and registered seven assists in 45 matches during the 2024–25 campaign.

El-Arabi returns to Ligue 1 for the first time since leaving SM Caen in 2011. He went on to play in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Spain—where he finished fifth in La Liga's scoring charts with Granada, netting 16 goals in 35 matches.

In Qatar, he tallied an impressive 107 goals in 95 games with Al-Duhail and claimed two Golden Boots.

Santi Aouna's social media post announcing the move sparked a wave of fan reactions. "He is the best of North African and Gulf football as both teams vie for supremacy in the Cup of the Free," one user wrote.

Another added: "I can guarantee 10–12 goals in the league—even at 38 years old."

FC Nantes hope his experience will bolster their frontline and support the development of younger talents.

Qatar Emerges As Favorite To Host 2029 FIFA Club World CupOneFootball

FIFA considers winter tournament return after 2025 summer edition draws criticism

Doha's set to become the leading candidate to host the 2029 FIFA Club World cup as reports suggest the international governing body favors winter edition in Qatar following growing criticism over the current tournament format.

The 2025 expanded 32 team edition held in the U.S concluded on Sunday 13 Jul , but left many players and coaches unhappy. Complaints were aimed at intense summer heat and packed schedule right after long domestic & continental season.

Several nations had previously expressed interest in hosting the 2029 tournament including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Brazil, Spain and Qatar.

 – Sunday, 13 July 2025

According to Spanish newspaper AS, FIFA President Gianni Infantino leans heavily toward Qatar as the next host citing the Gulf nation's ready made infrastructure that proved successful during the 2022 FIFA World cup.

That historic tournament, held in winter for the 1st time earned global praise for its organization and fan experience.

A potential return to winter calendar's now under serious discussion to avoid climate related challenges.

"Hosting the tournament in Qatar would likely push the event back to November or December just like the 2022 World cup. FIFA's considering covered stadiums to counter the heat , a challenge for all potential hosts if held in summer"

 – Sunday, 29 June 2025

Jean Evrard Kouassi Leaves China And Makes A Fresh Start In QatarOneFootball

The Ivorian international forward signs with Umm Salal SC to write a new chapter in the Qatar Stars League.

With his contract at Zhejiang FC coming to an end, Jean Evrard Kouassi has taken off for Qatar, where he has signed with Umm Salal SC for the 2025–2026 season. The transfer was officially announced via the Qatari club's social media channels earlier this week.

After a three-year spell in China, marked by 55 appearances and 13 goals for Zhejiang FC, Jean Evrard Kouassi has opted for a new challenge in the Middle East. Umm Salal SC, currently competing in the Qatar Stars League, offered a contract to the 30-year-old forward as part of their strategy to strengthen their attacking lineup. The news was confirmed by the club through its official channels.

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