Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is returning to Ligue 1 as he prepares to sign a long-term contract with Olympique Marseille. The Gabonese striker has reached a full verbal agreement with the French club on a deal that will run until June 2027, according to reports confirmed by L’Équipe and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Aubameyang, who had received multiple offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, has instead chosen to join Marseille after being convinced by the project led by club president Pablo Longoria, sporting advisor Mehdi Benatia, and new head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The promise of Champions League football and a prominent role in the team were key factors in his decision.

The veteran forward, who has previously played for Saint-Étienne in France, is expected to bring experience, leadership, and goal-scoring power to Marseille’s front line. With the club undergoing a rebuild under De Zerbi, Aubameyang is seen as a vital addition to a squad looking to compete at both domestic and European levels.

Marseille’s ambition to reestablish themselves as a top contender in Ligue 1 and in Europe has made them an increasingly attractive destination. The arrival of Aubameyang, who remains highly regarded for his pace and finishing ability, marks another statement of intent from the club’s leadership.

A formal announcement is expected soon, with the striker likely to be unveiled ahead of Marseille’s Champions League qualifiers. Aubameyang’s return to French football after over a decade abroad adds another layer of excitement to the new Ligue 1 season.

Lamine Yamal has been handed the iconic Barcelona No. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi, the Catalan club confirmed on Wednesday.

Yamal, who celebrated turning 18 on Sunday, inherits the number from next season from Ansu Fati, who completed a season-long loan move to AS Monaco earlier this month.

The announcement comes as Yamal faces an investigation from the Spanish government into possible breaches of disability laws following allegations that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainers at his 18th birthday party.

The confirmation of Yamal’s new number was made at an event with the winger and his family to celebrate his new contract, which was agreed last month and runs until 2031.

Messi wore the No. 10 jersey at Barcelona from 2008 through to his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The Argentine great became a legend at the Camp Nou, helping Barcelona win 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues while becoming Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer.

Fati succeeded Messi as the No.10 in 2021 but a series of injuries saw him struggle to maintain his place in the Barça team.

In the meantime, Yamal has emerged as one of the standout players for both Barça and Spain.

The teenager, who has already made 106 appearances for Barça and scored 25 goals, will now take on one of the most significant shirt numbers in the club’s history.

In addition to Messi, it has also previously worn by Barça greats including Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romário and Diego Maradona.

Yamal had hinted at the change in recent weeks as he posted photographs of Argentina legend Maradona, Ronaldinho and Messi on social media, the former two while they were wearing the Barça No.10 shirt.

It will be the fourth different number Yamal has worn with Barça — he wore No. 41 when he made his debut in 2022-23, No. 27 the following season and then No. 19 last year — which is the same number Messi wore before taking the No. 10.

Yamal has won two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and a Spanish Supercopa with Barça, while he helped Spain win the European Championships last summer.

espn.co.uk

Chelsea have completed a remarkable rise to global supremacy by winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, sealing their status as world champions with a stunning 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The triumph crowns a dramatic and disciplined campaign that began with uncertainty and ended in complete dominance.

The Blues kicked off their journey in Group D, where they made a confident start with a 2–0 win over LAFC. However, a 3–1 defeat to Flamengo in their second match cast early doubts on their chances. Chelsea responded in style in the final group game, defeating Espérance de Tunis 3–0 to secure second place and qualification to the knockout rounds.

READ ALSO: Chelsea 3-0 PSG: Palmer Double Fires Blues To Club World Cup Glory

The Round of 16 encounter against Benfica proved to be one of Chelsea’s most dramatic matches. After a weather delay and a 1–1 scoreline at full time, the Blues pulled away in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to win 4–1. The result reaffirmed their resilience and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Chelsea met Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in a rematch of the 2021 final. Cole Palmer gave them the lead before Palmeiras equalised. However, a late own goal by goalkeeper Weverton handed Chelsea a 2–1 victory and a place in the final four. In the semi-finals, João Pedro emerged as the hero with two goals in a 2–0 win over Fluminense, booking Chelsea’s place in the final.

The grand finale against PSG saw Cole Palmer produce a performance for the ages. He struck twice and set up João Pedro’s goal to give Chelsea a commanding 3–0 lead by halftime. PSG were reduced to ten men late in the match as João Neves was sent off, sealing a night of frustration for the French champions and triumph for the Blues.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have now added the FIFA Club World Cup to their UEFA Conference League title, completing a remarkable year. With emerging stars like Palmer and João Pedro leading the charge, Chelsea’s journey from underdogs to global champions is not just a story of a single tournament, but the resurgence of a club redefining its identity on the world stage.