Former Chelsea winger Ziyech joins Morocco's Wydad
Morocco and former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has joined Wydad Casablanca on a free transfer, the Moroccan Pro League club announced on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The Netherlands-born forward played a key role in leading Morocco to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 but has never before played for a Moroccan club.
"The world waits ... The wizard is here, Ziyech at Wydad," the club posted on X.
Major League Soccer announces 2025 award finalists
Major League Soccer announced the finalists for its 2025 year-end awards on Thursday, Reuters reported.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, who won last year's Landon Donovan MLS MVP and whose three-year contract extension through 2028 was announced Thursday, is one of five finalists for the award again along with Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati) and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC).
Messi led MLS in goals (29) and assists (19) this season. The other four finalists round out the top five goal-scorers, but Dreyer and Evander are the only two that are also in the top five for assists, according to Reuters .
Messi extends Inter Miami contract to 2028
Lionel Messi has extended his contract with MLS side Inter Miami to 2028, the club announced on Thursday, a boost for the North American league as the Argentine great keeps his career going, Reuters reported.
The eight-times Ballon d'Or winner had previously said that Inter Miami would be his last club but the 38-year-old has given no hint as to his possible retirement, saying that age would not be a factor.
"Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that's exactly what we have done," Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Villa fall to 2-1 loss at Go Ahead Eagles after Buendia misses penalty
Aston Villa took an early lead but fell to a 2-1 defeat by Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday as Emiliano Buendia missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot, bringing to an end the English side's perfect start to their Europa League campaign, Reuters reported.
Olympique Lyonnais are on maximum points after their 2-0 win over Basel. Braga also made it three wins from three by beating Red Star Belgrade 2-0 while Rangers' new manager Danny Rohl began life at the Scottish club with a 3-0 loss at SK Brann.
Go Ahead conceded in the fourth minute when their goalkeeper Jari De Busser punched away Jadon Sancho's cross, but the ball fell kindly for Evann Guessand to poke home and score his first goal for Villa, according to Reuters.
