Today in Football – Things You May Have Missed

Football never sleeps. During any of the 86400 seconds in a 24-hour day, somewhere in the world someone is doing something related to the beautiful game, whether that’s scoring a last-minute winner in a high-profile match, posting their expert take on social media or simply booting a ball against a wall with their mates.

It’s therefore impossible for any human being to keep up with everything that’s going on in the game, and it’s often those little yet most intriguing moments, like a fan’s alternative viewpoint of a penalty save, or a three-second yet incredibly telling interaction between two arch-rivals, or thread on X explaining why N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in professional sport, which make football so great.

GIVEMESPORT have created our live blog to help solve that problem, providing the best social media has to offer and the greatest football mini-stories from the last 24 hours.

His remarks sparked backlash in his homeland of Mexico

Former Manchester United and West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez has been fined and condemned by the Mexican president after his ‘very sexist’ comments. He said that women are “failing” and “eradicating masculinity”.

“Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man,” Hernández said. “Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive.”

“You women need to learn to accept and honor masculinity,” he said in another one of his posts. While in another, he said: “You want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression … interesting.”

After his comments sparked backlash, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said the Chivas man made a series of statements “promoting sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and go against gender equality in sport” on TikTok.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded. “Chicharito is a very good soccer [player] but when it comes to his opinion on women… he still has a lot to learn.”

According to BBC Sport, the Gender and Diversity Commission are to undertake an investigation into the former Red Devil, whose current Liga MX employers, Chivas, have insisted that his remarks were “contrary to the principles and values” of the club.

July 20: Jesse Lingard scored the wondergoal for FC Seoul

Former Man United ace netted the winner in K 1 League clash

Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has just scored one of the best goals you will see all summer. Playing for FC Seoul, the Englishman caught the sweetest volley, blasting the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring against Ulsan FC.

Bagged in the 42nd minute of the match, this strike was enough to see Lingard’s team with the game 1-0. As a result, FC Seoul now sit fourth in South Korea’s K 1 League, 15 points behind league leaders Jeonbuk.

Lingard has been in fine form of late, and this was his second goal in as many league games, while he also has two assists in his last three outings for the Korean outfit. This wonderstrike, however, will likely be the best thing he does all season. After all, it’s hard to top a effort like that.

July 18: Chloe Kelly’s Unusual Penalty Technique Wows Fans

Calls for her penalty technique to be studied

Fans are claiming Chloe Kelly’s unusual penalty technique ‘needs to be studied’ after she helped send England through to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals on Thursday night. Kelly, who recently joined Arsenal from Manchester City, had to score England’s fifth penalty to keep her side in the tournament.

The 27-year-old rolled the ball on the spot several times, smiled as she faced up the goalkeeper and then proceeded to execute the same style of penalty that’s served her so well in the past. She stands on one leg before smashing the ball into the net. “Chloe Kelly is the best penalty taker in women’s football,” one fan wrote on X (Twitter). Another said: “Chloe Kelly’s run up for that penalty is wild”. While a third added: “Chloe Kelly’s penalty technique. Never seen that before.”

July 17: FIFA Considering Major Penalty Rule Change

It could have a major impact on the sport

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football lawmakers are considering making a major change to the rules surrounding penalties and it could have a huge impact on the beautiful game. According to talkSPORT, rebounds from spot-kicks could potentially be scrapped in the future, preventing anyone from scoring when a penalty is either saved or hits the woodwork.

Instead, if a penalty is parried or the ball strikes the post or crossbar, play will automatically be stopped and a goal-kick will be given to the opposition. This essentially means that teams will only have the one chance to score from the spot and won’t be able to pounce on any rebounds like they have been able to in the past. It would have a huge impact on games and if IFAB (International Football Association Board) sign off on the change, it could be introduced for the World Cup next summer.

July 13: Liverpool Fans Go Viral With Emotional Chant For Diogo Jota

Was first game since his tragic death

Liverpool fans showed their love for Diogo Jota as they attended the first game following his tragic death. Arne Slot’s men took on Preston North End in a pre-season friendly, but there was a sombre mood ahead of the game.

The travelling Liverpool support, however, managed to build up a special atmosphere as they sang a chant at Deepdale, which went viral on social media, quickly racking up over 200,000 views. They sang:

“Oh, he wears the number 20,

“He will take us to victory,

“And when he’s running down the left wing,

“He’ll cut inside and score for LFC.

“He’s a lad from Portugal,

“Better than Figo don’t you know,

“Oh, his name is Diogo!”

July 13: EFL Players Left With Bloodied Injuries After Pre-Season Scuffle

Brad Hills and Cameron McGeehan clashed during the ‘friendly’

Norwich City’s Brad Hills and Northampton’s Cameron McGeehan were left with bloodied heads following a heated clash during a pre-season ‘friendly’ this weekend. Norwich ran out 3-1 winners but it was the altercation between the two EFL players that’s made headlines.

The pair initially collided heads while competing for a loose ball during a corner. Medics entered the field of play to treat the two players, who then got involved in a furious shoving match, according to reports. The pair had to be separated to prevent the situation from spiralling into an all-out brawl. Hills, 21, was able to complete the match, but 30-year-old McGeehan was substituted and replaced by Matty Ireland.

July 6: Lionel Messi Scores Breathtaking Solo Goal For Inter Miami

Argentine legend shows he’s still capable of magic aged 38

​​​​Lionel Messi may have just turned 38 years old, but the legendary Argentine genius is still capable of producing breathtaking moments other mere mortals simply are not. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has added another remarkable solo goal to his extensive collection during Inter Miami’s 4-1 Major League Soccer win over Montreal.

Messi received the ball from Luis Suarez on the edge of the centre circle before dribbling past several opponents and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. Words can’t really do this goal justice, so click play on the clip above and watch greatness from the footballer widely regarded as the best of all time.

July 5: Alphonso Davies Left in Shock After Jamal Musiala’s Horror Injury

Bayern Munich star was live streaming PSG clash

Both Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue were on target as PSG beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Club World Cup to progress into the semi-finals. Sadly, though, the real story of the day was Jamal Musiala’s horror injury.

The German attacker collided with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, leaving his ankle twisted at a sickening angle. Teammate Alphonso Davies was watching the game on a live stream when the incident occurred, and his shocked instant reaction was representative of all fans.

The Bayern left-back held his head in disbelief, shouting out in shock, and dropping to his knees as he watched his teammate go down in pain. On the field of play, both Donnarumma and Michael Olise looked similarly devastated.

It remains to be seen how long Musiala will be out for, but hopefully, the injury is not as bad as it first looked.

July 4: Oasis Pay Fitting Tribute to Late Liverpool Star Diogo Jota

The 28-year-old passed away on Thursday morning

The tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, rocked the football world on Thursday. The news of the pair’s sudden and devastating passing came as a shock to those within the game, and a much wider audience.

Fellow footballers, celebrities, fans and people from all walks of life have paid tribute to Jota after the heartbreaking accident. Noel and Liam Gallagher reunited for their first concert as Oasis on Friday night, and showed an incredible touch of class as Jota and his now iconic number 20 were shown on the screen during ‘Live Forever’. The strong message indicates that the Portuguese international’s memory will indeed, live forever.

July 1: Man City Summer Signing Shows Weakness vs Al-Hilal defeat

Weakness was clear during first goal conceded

Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal surprised many in the Club World Cup as they beat Manchester City 4-3 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter. A number of new City signings were on display, including Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. However, not all of them impressed.

Notably, former Wolves left-back Ait-Nouri looked vulnerable in one key moment as Marcos Leonardo scored in the 46th minute to level the scores. The defender tried to win the ball on the halfway line but was spun as Al-Hilal attacked down his flank.

Ait-Nouri continued to track back but was unable to win the ball, as he was outmuscled on the transition, allowing the chance to eventually fall for Leonardo to score. Fans online were quick to point out that his defensive skills may well be an obvious weakness to his game, with one writing:

“Ait Nouri, mid guy he’ll lose his duels then use attacking ability to cover up. We’ll be there next season.” Another remarked: “They said he’s elite.”

While a third mentioned a difficult outing he had for Wolves vs Chelsea last season, saying: “He was the dude that gave [Noni] Madueke a hat trick.”