Nunez joins Al Hilal; Martinez signs for Al Nassr

Sun, 10 Aug, 2025

Nunez joins Al Hilal; Martinez signs for Al Nassr

Kuala Lumpur: Darwin Nunez's transfer to Al Hilal SFC from English champions Liverpool has been finalised while centre-back Inigo Martinez has moved from Barcelona to Al Nassr Club.

Japan international winger Junya Ito has returned to Belgian outfit KRC Genk while Indonesia captain Jay Idzes has signed for Italy’s newly promoted Serie A side US Sassuolo.

Itakura moves to Ajax

Sat, 09 Aug, 2025

Itakura moves to Ajax

Amsterdam: Japan defender Ko Itakura has signed for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam from Germany’s Borussia Monchengladbach, the Eredivisie outfit announced on Saturday.

The 28-year-old centre-half has joined on a four-year deal as he returns to the Netherlands having previously spent two seasons on loan with Groningen from Manchester City.

Japan's Doan signs for Eintracht Frankfurt

Thu, 07 Aug, 2025

Japan's Doan signs for Eintracht Frankfurt

Berlin: Japan international Ritsu Doan has completed his move to Eintracht Frankfurt from fellow Bundesliga outfit Freiburg, the German club announced on Thursday.

The 27-year-old, who was a key component of the Samurai Blue squad that qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico, has signed a five-year contract with his new club.

Koo: Football’s constant evolvement requires consistent hard work

Sat, 09 Aug, 2025

Koo: Football’s constant evolvement requires consistent hard work

Kuala Lumpur: Former Korea Republic captain Koo Ja-cheol knows what it takes to reach the summit of football and how to stay there.

A veteran of two FIFA World Cups and the AFC Asian Cup™ 2011 top scorer, the former midfielder’s footballing journey took him from Jeju to Germany, the Olympics podium and back again.

Now working as a youth adviser at Jeju United, Koo recently spoke with the-AFC.com, sharing insights on Korea Republic, the evolution of football and what separates world class players from the rest.

Stage set for #ACLElite and #ACLTwo preliminary battles

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025

Stage set for #ACLElite and #ACLTwo preliminary battles

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) and AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) will mark their return to action with the Preliminary Stage for the 2025/26 season, which gets underway on August 12 (Tuesday).

Four teams will vie for the two available League Stage berths in the ACL Elite while six contenders will do likewise for three Group Stage berths in the ACL Two, as confirmed by the finalised slot allocations in June.

#ChallengeLeague preliminary showdowns ready for kick-off

Thu, 07 Aug, 2025

#ChallengeLeague preliminary showdowns ready for kick-off

Kuala Lumpur: The quest to reach the AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) 2025/26 Group Stage begins on August 12 (Tuesday) with the Preliminary Stage, which consists of nine single-leg ties.

Reaffirming the tournament’s aim to spotlight the Continent’s emerging teams and talents, the 18-strong cast—10 from the West and eight from the East—is an increase from last season, where four sides were involved at the same stage.