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Congratulations to Spain who won their second World Cup title, after they edged Argentina by a single Ferran Torres goal following extra time in New Jersey.
The last remaining African nation, Morocco, had lost out to France in the quarter-finals and they were one of the nine African countries who progressed into the knockout stages.
Senegal sealed their second AFCON title when Pape Gueye netted a superb extra time winner against the hosts, Morocco, before 66,000 fans in Rabat.
But many of the headlines will feature the chaotic scenes prior to the end of the ninety minutes when the Teranga Lions staff and players protested the officials’ decisions to deny their team a goal and then award a penalty to the home side.
After a long delay the match restarted and, in a stunning moment, leading scorer Brahim Diaz weakly chipped his spot kick into the arms of goalie Edouard Mendy.
That was the last kick before the extra time period and the West African’s triumph.
Although the tournament had seen all the favourites predictably get through to the latter stages, nobody could have foreseen what would happen in the final.
Mamelodi Sundowns, led by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, beat FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate, after the sides drew in Rabat, to claim their second Champions League title.
Luis Enrique led Paris St-Germain to their second consecutive UCL title after the Parisians edged Arsenal on penalties in Budapest.
In a contest dominated by PSG, the sides drew 1-1 after extra time only for the English Premier League champions to eventually fail with two spot-kicks in the shootout.
See John Bethell’s analysis of what happened in ‘Reports & Analysis’.
Unai Emery again proved his European expertise as his Aston Villa easily beat Freiburg 3–0 in the final to lift their first major European crown since 1982.
Argentina’s Emiliano Buendia netted twice for the EPL team in Istanbul, in what could be a hat-trick of Euro titles for the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner provided a parting gift for Crystal Palace and their fans after his team beat a spirited Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig.
It was the Eagles first-ever Euro title to add to their maiden FA Cup final triumph in 2025.
Will resume on 21 August when the champions, and favourites to retain their title, Arsenal, entertain newcomers Coventry City at the Emirates.
Of the other opening fixtures Newcastle v Liverpool and the London derby between Fulham and Chelsea could be the most interesting.
The new season will begin on 15 August although the champions, Barcelona, will not take part until over a weeek later when they meet Elche.
Inter will host Monza on the opening day (22 August) of the new campaign.
Champions League holders PSG will start their bid for league title number 15 when they meet Rennes on August 23.
Harry Kane and co. face Stuttgart in the Allianz at the opening of the new season on 28 August.
After a couple of rounds of action champions Porto are among those on maximum points.
GENERAL
Morocco, who performed with credit at the World Cup, remain the leading African nation (and now in 6th overall) as per the latest FIFA rankings table.
Not surprisingly, Spain now head the list followed by the three other WC semi-finalists.
