Explore how soccer betting in Illinois grew from local MLS roots to global World Cup hype, fueled by legal sportsbooks, big stars, and rising fan interest.

The Portuguese defender is staying with Manchester City until 2029 and has spoken exclusively to club media after signing new deal.

Hansi Flick is awaiting reinforcements and is keen to keep his squad intact for what he predicts will be a challenging season. Ahead of the Levante match, he remained cautious on Robert Lewandowski's situation.

After winning without convincing against Osasuna in their opening match of the season in La Liga, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid head to Real Oviedo on Sunday for what will be a gala occasion for the newly-promoted side.

The 2025/26 Serie A season gets underway on Saturday when Napoli begin their league title defence at promoted Sassuolo.

Kevin De Bruyne will lead Napoli's Serie A title defence on Saturday when he makes his full debut at promoted Sassuolo, but the champions head into the new season rocked by a long-term injury to star striker Romelu Lukaku.

A crisis is never far away at Marseille but the speed at which things have unravelled for the French giants at the start of this season is unprecedented.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze appeared to be moving closer to a transfer to Arsenal worth a reported £60 million ($81 million) after the England international was left out of the Eagles' team for their European tie on Thursday.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot said Thursday the Premier League champions will only sign the right player for the right price but refused to be drawn on the club's position regarding unsettled Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

UEFA have granted Barcelona's request to play their opening Champions League match away from home. According to Catalunya Radio, the club have been given the green light to buy themselves more time to prepare their stadium, whether that be Spotify Camp Nou or Montjuic.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists he has heard nothing to suggest Wesley Fofana wants to leave Stamford Bridge after the defender removed pictures of himself playing for the club from his Instagram account.

Robert Lewandowski provided the headline news at Barcelona training on Thursday, marking his 37th birthday by rejoining full sessions with the squad at the Joan Gamper training complex.

The African Nations Championships (CHAN) quarter-finals begin Friday after a bruising group stage, with security controversies and the unexpected successes of the host nations dominating discussion.

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong faces several weeks out of action with a hamstring injury, Reds manager Arne Slot said Thursday.