Events Today

1942

FC Start defeat Luftwaffe side in the 'Match of Death'

FC Start, a team largely made up of former Dynamo Kyiv players, defeated German military side Flakelf 5-3 in occupied Kyiv. The match later became known as the 'Match of Death', although many elements of the popular story have since been challenged by historians.

2011

Italian football rocked by Scommessopoli punishments

The Italian Football Federation handed down severe punishments in 2011 following the Scommessopoli match-fixing investigation. Atalanta were deducted six points and captain Cristiano Doni received a three-and-a-half-year ban, while Giuseppe Signori and Marco Paoloni were among those given lengthy suspensions.

2018

Villarreal unveil Santi Cazorla with bizarre magic trick

Villarreal staged one of football's most memorable player unveilings when Santi Cazorla returned to the club. Playing on the midfielder's 'Little Magician' nickname, the Spanish side enlisted an illusionist, who made Cazorla seemingly appear from inside a smoke-filled glass chamber.

2025

Erling Haaland scores five as Norway hit 11 past Moldova

Erling Haaland produced one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup qualifying history, scoring five goals and providing two assists as Norway demolished Moldova 11-1. The victory equalled the record for the biggest winning margin in European World Cup qualifying history.

Djed Spence becomes the first Muslim player to represent England

Djed Spence made history by becoming the first Muslim player to represent the England men's senior team when he appeared as a second-half substitute during England's win over Serbia. While the Football Association does not officially record players' religions, Spence is understood to be the first Muslim man to play for the senior England men's side, marking a significant milestone.