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Soccer

Association football, known simply as football and soccer, is the most popular and most widely played sport in the world.

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Fokus Europa | Georgien: Fußballstars gegen die Regierung

Fokus Europa | Georgien: Fußballstars gegen die Regierung

Georgia: Soccer stars vs. the government

Georgian soccer stars are taking a stand against the actions of their pro-Russian government.

Hansi Flick stares into space while Germany coach in 2023

Hansi Flick stares into space while Germany coach in 2023

Barcelona hire former Germany and Bayern coach Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick had been out of work since being fired by Germany in September 2023. He succeeds the sacked Xavi.

Barcelona players lift the Champions League trophy

Barcelona players lift the Champions League trophy

Barcelona enter era of dominance in women's football

Barcelona women won a historic first club quadruple after winning their third Champions League title in four years.

Xabi Alonso after the Europa League final

Xabi Alonso after the Europa League final

Atalanta flip script to end Leverkusen's unbeaten season

After 51 games, and more than a year, Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run was ended in the Europa League final.

Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos

Germany's Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024

Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement after this summer's European Championship.

Bayer Leverkusen players and staff link arms to celebrate a win

Bayer Leverkusen players and staff link arms to celebrate a win

How Bayer Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen have become the first side to go unbeaten for a whole season in the German top flight. Here's how.

Homophobie im Fußball | Regenbogen Flagge im Stadion an der Bremer Brücke

Homophobie im Fußball | Regenbogen Flagge im Stadion an der Bremer Brücke

Why is it challenging for gay male footballers to come out?

An initiative by a former football player aims to encourage footballers to embrace their sexuality. But at what cost?

Jibril Rajoub at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok

Jibril Rajoub at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok

Will Israel be banned from football?

At the FIFA congress, the awarding of the 2027 Women's World Cup to Brazil was overshadowed by calls to ban Israel.

Tamires Cassia Dias Gomes (left) and Adriana Leal da Silva celebrate a goal in a game against Germany

Tamires Cassia Dias Gomes (left) and Adriana Leal da Silva celebrate a goal in a game against Germany

Brazil to host 2027 Women's World Cup

The decision was made at the FIFA Congress, with Brazil beating a joint bid from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

A rainbow flag on a football pitch, in the background footballers are warming up

A rainbow flag on a football pitch, in the background footballers are warming up

Group coming out of gay football players: Will it happen?

Critics of the initiative to combat homophobia have said it has little chance of creating long-term change.

The Women's World Cup trophy

The Women's World Cup trophy

Who will host the 2027 Women's World Cup?

The chances of a German-Belgian-Dutch bid getting the nod now appear negligible.

Alexandra Popp kisses the German Cup

Alexandra Popp kisses the German Cup

Wolfsburg win 10th straight German Cup, deny Bayern double

Bayern Munich may have wrestled the Bundesliga title away, but Wolfsburg would not give up the German Cup so easily.

Harry Kane holds his head in his hands

Harry Kane holds his head in his hands

Champions League: Real Madrid stun Bayern to reach BVB final

Real Madrid scored twice late on to stun Bayern Munich and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate making the Champions League final

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate making the Champions League final

Borussia Dortmund beat PSG to reach Champions League final

Dortmund are heading back to the Champions League final after the Bundesliga side overcame Kylian Mbappe and PSG.

Marco Reus holds his hands in a heart gesture while playing for Borussia Dortmud

Marco Reus holds his hands in a heart gesture while playing for Borussia Dortmud

Reus starts Dortmund exit with Champions League end in sight

Marco Reus led his side to a win after announcing his departure. But a Champions League final could be his last goodbye.

Georgia Stanway celebrates a goal for Bayern Munich

Georgia Stanway celebrates a goal for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich win Bundesliga as Stanway eyes double

Georgia Stanway's return to form has Bayern on the verge of club history. But she told DW there have been tough times.

Sabrina Wittmann and FC Ingolstadt players

Sabrina Wittmann and FC Ingolstadt players

German men's pro football gets first female coach

While Sabrina Wittmann is in the role on an interim basis, club bosses haven't ruled out a longer-term contract.

Al-Hilal Omdurman competing in the 2023/24 Champions League vs. Esperance Tunis

Al-Hilal Omdurman competing in the 2023/24 Champions League vs. Esperance Tunis

Al-Hilal hope move to Tanzania inspires war-torn Sudan

With Sudan devastated by civil war, the country's biggest football club, Al-Hilal, announced they will play in Tanzania.

Uzbek players celebrate their success after the final whistle

Uzbek players celebrate their success after the final whistle

Uzbekistan's footballers make Olympic history

Victory in the under-23 Asian Cup semifinals means Uzbekistan will have a team at the Olympics for the first time ever.

Griechenland Hooligans Fußballfans

Griechenland Hooligans Fußballfans

Greece: The Hellas Hooligans

Violence among Greek soccer fans is leading to more matches with empty stadiums.

A fishing boat on the island of Robinson Crusoe off the coast of Chile

A fishing boat on the island of Robinson Crusoe off the coast of Chile

Robinson Crusoe Island, a Chilean football fairytale

The tiny Chilean island of Robinson Crusoe played in the country's domestic football cup tournament for the first time.

Alpen Erdrutsch

Alpen Erdrutsch

Focus on Europe - Spotlight on People

Climate change is taking a toll on villages in the French Alps.

A wheelchair basketball player holding a basketball on a court in Benin

A wheelchair basketball player holding a basketball on a court in Benin

Disabled athletes in Africa changing the game

Not only are these athletes passionate about their sports, but they are changing perceptions of what they can do.

Vitesse players sit defeated on the pitch after their loss in the TOTO KNVB Cup final soccer match between Ajax and Vitesse at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Sunday April 18, 2021.

Vitesse players sit defeated on the pitch after their loss in the TOTO KNVB Cup final soccer match between Ajax and Vitesse at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Sunday April 18, 2021.

Football: Vitesse docked 18 points amid Russia finance probe

Vitesse Arnhem receive a stringent penalty for financial irregularities connected to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Julian Nagelsmann on the touchline

Julian Nagelsmann on the touchline

Julian Nagelsmann to stay as German national football coach

Julian Nagelsmann has extended his contract with the German national soccer team ahead of Euro 2024.

Football fans wait in the stands for a match to begin in Saudi Arabia

Football fans wait in the stands for a match to begin in Saudi Arabia

'Not safe': Saudi Arabia slammed after jailing football fans

Several Saudi Arabian soccer fans have been jailed for singing a song at a game that celebrates a religious figure.

Leverkusen's fans on the pitch after Sunday's win over Werder Bremen, celebrating sealing the Bundesliga title. Leverkusen, Germany, April 14, 2024.

Leverkusen's fans on the pitch after Sunday's win over Werder Bremen, celebrating sealing the Bundesliga title. Leverkusen, Germany, April 14, 2024.

Bayer Leverkusen: From infamous runners-up to champions

Dubbed "Neverkusen" for so long, their story had previously been one of heartbreak and intermittent Cup success.

Florian Wirtz celebrates a goal, and a title for Bayer Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz celebrates a goal, and a title for Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen win first Bundesliga title

For the first time since 2012, the Bundesliga has a new champion: Bayer Leverkusen. And in record-breaking fashion.

A man in a white t-shirt gesticulates in front of a crowd of soccer supporters

A man in a white t-shirt gesticulates in front of a crowd of soccer supporters

Xabi Alonso: The makings of rapid success

Xabi Alonso has been a top coach for less than two years, but is already regarded as one of the best in the business.

O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 20, 2017

O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 20, 2017

Notorious football, movie star O.J. Simpson dies aged 67

In the 1990s, the O.J. Simpson trial has gripped the nation, exposing the racial and policing divisions in US.

Korbin Albert looks down at the ball

Korbin Albert looks down at the ball

USWNT: Will new generation still fight for social causes?

The responsibility of what it means to play for the US women's football team has always been more than just the game.

Richarlison playing for Brazil

Richarlison playing for Brazil

Richarlison can spur change in Brazilian football mentality

The Tottenham striker's comments about how therapy saved his life could change a generation of footballers in Brazil.

Luis Rubiales passes a police van as he leaves after testifying at the National Court in Madrid, Spain, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Luis Rubiales passes a police van as he leaves after testifying at the National Court in Madrid, Spain, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Spain: ex-soccer boss Rubiales detained in corruption probe

He is already the subject of a criminal investigation after kissing a female player at the World Cup.

Manchester CIty and Manchester United players battle for the ball in a WSL game

Manchester CIty and Manchester United players battle for the ball in a WSL game

Women's football flying in England, but too fast?

While the English league is held up as an example to Germany and others, there may be dangers in such rapid growth.

File image of Cheikh Kane Sarr, goalkeeper of Rayo Majadahonda in warm up for a football match

File image of Cheikh Kane Sarr, goalkeeper of Rayo Majadahonda in warm up for a football match

Spanish game abandoned after alleged racist slurs from crowd

The Rayo Majadahonda goalkeeper went into the stands to confront the person allegedly hurling racist abuse.

Herzogenaurach is where Adidas' built Home Ground for visiting teams

Herzogenaurach is where Adidas' built Home Ground for visiting teams

What's next for Germany ahead of Euro 2024?

DW fills you in on where Germany go from here as they look toward their opening Euro 2024 match against Scotland.

Antonio Rüdiger

Antonio Rüdiger

Germany star Rüdiger slams Islamist gesture allegation

The player says "third parties" wanted to spread division by portraying him as an Islamist over a Ramadan gesture.

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final

Rubiales faces 2.5 years in jail for Cup kiss

Former Spanish soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales faces charges for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Two legs fitted with electrodes in a lab

Two legs fitted with electrodes in a lab

How sports science is now benefitting everyday athletes

What used to be the sole domain of high-performance sport can now help anyone with knee or back pain.

A player for Gambia's BK United dribbles the ball past a defender near the midline

A player for Gambia's BK United dribbles the ball past a defender near the midline

Gambian football academy giving players a chance in Europe

BK West United, located in Bakoteh, Gambia, prides itself on being more than just a football club.

Maximilian Mittelstädt celebrates his first Germany goal

Maximilian Mittelstädt celebrates his first Germany goal

Nagelsmann's Germany blossom as Euros approach

In a week, the conversation around Germany's team has changed completely. Excitement for the home Euros has arrived.

China Chen Xuyuan holding up a fist in front of onlooking coaches

China Chen Xuyuan holding up a fist in front of onlooking coaches

Chinese court hands former FA boss life sentence

A Chinese court has sentenced the country's former FA boss to life in prison after convicting him on corruption charges.

Neymar holding his right ankle with his left hand during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Neymar holding his right ankle with his left hand during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Brazil's football in crisis: No longer 'the beautiful game'

Experts have long been warning that a sell-off of Brazilian talent is damaging the domestic game.

Germany's new Adidas kit has been a success but from 2027, it will be Nike's turn

Germany's new Adidas kit has been a success but from 2027, it will be Nike's turn

German football's switch: 'Maybe Nike won by accident'

Does the Nike deal with German football say more about the sports brand market than Adidas' current struggles?

An unidentified player and Ahmet Arslan (right) standing beside a training net

An unidentified player and Ahmet Arslan (right) standing beside a training net

How does a pro footballer deal with Ramadan?

Ramadan poses particular challenges for Muslim professional footballer Ahmet Arslan, despite a tolerant atmosphere.

Nike over Adidas: German football's monumental switch

The German FA's decision to switch kit suppliers from Adidas to Nike sparks heated discussion in the country.

Japan's Hidemasa Morita, left, tries unsuccessfully to score during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Japan and North Korea at the National Stadium Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Tokyo.

Japan's Hidemasa Morita, left, tries unsuccessfully to score during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Japan and North Korea at the National Stadium Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Tokyo.

Football: North Korea loses 1-0 to Japan, cancels next game

The head of Japan's football association said North Korean officials had asked if Japan could host the game instead.

The official, Adidas-made, jersey and ball for the 2024 European Championships

The official, Adidas-made, jersey and ball for the 2024 European Championships

German football association to drop Adidas for Nike

Starting in 2027, Germany’s national football association will just do it — switching from Adidas to Nike for its kits.

Brazil's Robinho reacts with hands on face after missing a chance to score

Brazil's Robinho reacts with hands on face after missing a chance to score

Robinho must serve Italian rape sentence in Brazil: court

Judges have upheld former footballer Robinho's Italian rape conviction, saying he must serve the time in Brazil.

Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves sits during his trial in Barcelona, Spain

Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves sits during his trial in Barcelona, Spain

Court bails Dani Alves for €1 million after rape conviction

A lawyer for the victim described as the player's release as "scandalous."