Thursday, 26 March 2026
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ SHUTS DOWN 'WRONG KNEE' INJURY CONTROVERSY AT REAL MADRID, SAY'S 'I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITUATION'
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| France's forward Kylian Mbappe signs autographs upon arriving at the hotel in Boston on March 24, 2026. (AFP) |
| Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday shut down claims that Real Madrid examined the wrong knee following the injury he sustained late last year. |
The controversy stemmed from a report on French broadcaster RMC Sport’s talk show After Foot, which claimed that the club had initially scanned Mbappe’s right knee instead of his left after the December injury. The report was widely picked up by global media outlets.
Mbappe, however, dismissed the claim outright.
“The report that said that they (examined) the wrong knee is false,” he said at a press conference ahead of France’s international friendly against Brazil.
While rejecting the claim, the French star admitted that a lack of communication may have contributed to the speculation.
“I am maybe responsible indirectly for this situation, because when you don’t communicate on what’s happening, it opens doors to others’ interpretations.”
Mbappe had earlier stated in December that he had sprained his left knee. He continued playing through January before being sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks, returning only recently and featuring as a substitute in his last two matches for Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old also emphasised that there has been no confusion internally.
“I have very clear communication” with Real Madrid, he said.
Currently in Boston, Mbappe is part of the France squad set to face Brazil in an international friendly in Foxborough on Thursday, before taking on Colombia in Landover on Sunday.
Speaking earlier this week in Paris, Mbappe admitted the injury phase had taken a mental toll.
“There was a lot of frustration, a lot of anger, and then also some anxiety at one point,” he said. “I had reached a stage where I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I didn’t go through that period in the best way. I wasn’t the happiest player in the world. But I’m happy now because it’s truly behind me. It’s all gone.”
France head coach Didier Deschamps has yet to confirm whether Mbappe will start in the upcoming fixtures.
- Aratrick Mondal
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
CRISTIANO RONALDO JR, 15, CLOSE TO REAL MADRID MOVE AFTER FOLLOWING IN DAD'S FOOTSTEPS
Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son, Cristiano Jr, 15, has been training with Real Madrid's under-16 side with La Liga giants considering signing the teenager who currently plays for Al-Nassr youth team
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| Cristiano Ronaldo's son is training with Real Madrid(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) |
Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son is training with Real Madrid, potentially paving the way for a move to the Spanish heavyweights. 15-year-old Cristiano Jr is currently plying his trade at youth level for his father's club, Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Athletic, chiefs at the Bernabeu are mulling over the prospect of signing him up in the near future. Cristiano Jr has represented Portugal at youth level, most recently turning out for their under-17 side. He earned his first call-up for Portugal's U15s in May last year, making his debut against Japan in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is training with Real Madrid(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images) |
Ronaldo Sr has previously expressed his wish to share the pitch with his son in a professional game. In 2025, the 41-year-old revealed: "I would like it, I would like it. It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine.
"The years are starting to pass and, obviously, Cris will have to, one day, leave football, because the years I'm extending... There will come a time when it's no longer possible. Not only physically but psychologically.
"But I also don't see it as an obsession. He will follow his path, his trajectory. I will be a proud father, I will be proud of whatever he wants to do. If he plays, 'top'. If he doesn't play, we tried. At least his father tried hard. But it won't be a problem either, in my opinion."
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| Ronaldo has spoken about his dream of playing next to his son(Image: Mike Hewitt - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images) |
But Ronaldo won't compete forever, acknowledging that he's in the closing years of his remarkable career as he approaches the 1,000 goal milestone. The Portugal skipper will feature at what's expected to be his final World Cup this summer while his deal with Al-Nassr is set to run out in 2027.
"It's difficult to keep playing, but I am motivated," Ronaldo said. "My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.
"You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."
- Nathan Ridley and Cameron Winstanley
LIVERPOOL MAY HAVE ALREADY FOUND THEIR MOHAMED SALAH REPLACEMENT
There is a standout candidate being tipped to replace the Egyptian King
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| GOODBYE: MOHAMMED SALAH REUTERS |
Liverpool may have already found their replacement for Mohammed Salah.
The Egyptian star announced on Tuesday that this season will be his last for the Reds, calling time on a trophy-laden nine-year spell on Merseyside.
Salah will hope to add to his bursting trophy cabinet during his final months at the club, having already picked up two Premier League winners' medals and lifted the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
It has been reported that talks between Liverpool and Salah over a summer exit have been ongoing for months, with the idea of cutting his contract short first discussed in December.
Salah signed a new two-year deal last summer, but has forfeited the final 12 months - valued at around £20million - to be allowed to leave Anfield on a free transfer.
It has allowed Liverpool to begin casting their eye over potential replacements, and one name is ringing louder than others.
Yan Diomande is the favourite with the bookmakers to be Salah's replacement at Anfield.
The RB Leipzig star has been attracting interest from Europe's top clubs after a stellar first season in the Bundesliga, which has seen him rise to prominence after making his breakthrough with Leganes in La Liga.
Premier League pair Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are joint-second in the market, followed closely by Tottenham duo Dejan Kulusevski and Mohamed Kudus, and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
The cheapest option may prove to be Harry Wilson, who left Liverpool to join Fulham and is currently set to be a free agent in the summer. Much like Salah, Christian Pulisic left Chelsea to prove his worth elsewhere and is now an attractive option at AC Milan.
Perhaps more eye-catching options include Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, both of Paris Saint-Germain, while Rodrygo has regularly been tipped to leave Real Madrid.
Mohamed Salah replacement odds
Yan Diomande: 3/1
Anthony Gordon: 4/1
Jarrod Bowen: 4/1
Dejan Kulusevski: 5/1
Mohamed Kudus: 5/1
Harry Wilson: 5/1
Yankuba Minteh: 5/1
Christian Pulisic: 7/1
Rodrygo: 8/1
Kenan Yildiz: 8/1
Michael Olise: 10/1
Desire Doue: 12/1
Bradley Barcola: 12/1
(Odds via BettingLounge, subject to change.)
- ALEX YOUNG
'SAUDI PROJECT IS OVER' - RICHARD KEYS CLAIMS PIF 'LOOKING TO SELL' NEWCASTLE UNITED FOR £1BN IN BOMBSHELL UPDATE
Newcastle United remain adamant that the Public Investment Fund are committed to the long-term project.
Disgraced former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has claimed the Public Investment Fund are actively looking to sell Newcastle United.
Well-connected in the region, the 68-year-old has worked for Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports since 2013. Keys was a vocal critic of the Saudi-backed takeover when the bid stalled - and temporarily broke down - in 2020.
An inquest is underway on Tyneside after Newcastle lost to bitter rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday. Adding salt into the wounds, Keys has declared that PIF are giving up on the project and have placed a £1billion price tag to potential suitors.
‘Saudis want £1bn’ - Richard Keys
“Another whisper I picked up recently - and I don’t think this will come as a surprise to anybody - I’m told the Saudis are looking to sell Newcastle,” he wrote in his personal blog. “Regulars know I’ve been saying for some time the project was over. Apparently, there are interested parties, but the Saudis want £1billion. £500million is nearer the mark.”
Newcastle United stance
Newcastle insiders are adamant that PIF remain in constant dialogue with the key shot-callers at St James’ Park. David Hopkinson - appointed CEO in September - runs the club on a day-to-day basis but any major decisions need to be signed off by the Saudi backers.
However, there has been a growing sense from supporters that the Middle Eastern investment fund have become distant from events at the Magpies. Fans are yet to be given an ultimate resolution on St James’ Park’s future despite being told to expect an update in “early 2025”.
Noises around the mooted training ground development have also gone quiet in recent months. While messaging from the top remains bullish, it is becoming a case of “actions, not words” that has left a section of Newcastle supporters to question their intention.
David Hopkinson makes 2030 vow
Speaking last month, new Toon CEO Hopkinson reiterated that the majority owners are ambitious about Newcastle. In words that have since become a hot topic on Tyneside, he doubled down on his mission to propel the club to global stardom by 2030.
“The No.1 thing I talk to the ownership about is ambition,” Hopkinson told talkSPORT. “That’s the magic word here, having the correct ambition.
“We have total alignment on that. This is a club that, by 2030, will be consistently contending for the top prizes in global football. We have a lot of wood to chop between here and there. When I see Newcastle United, everywhere I look, I see opportunity.”
- Charlie Bennett
MEGAN THEE STALLION'S HBCU JOURNEY GETS NCAA SPOTLIGHT |
A recent NCAA broadcast involving Megan Thee Stallion sparked a debate about HBCU representation and Prairie View A&M. Commentators tried to bridge sports and pop culture. They named the rap star as a prominent alumna. This well-intentioned namedrop relied entirely on surface-level research.
Megan Thee Stallion’s academic journey
The rapper did begin her college journey at Prairie View in 2013. She followed a deep family lineage of attendees. However, her academic path quickly took her elsewhere. She clashed with the administration over viral online videos. Eventually, she transferred to Texas Southern University.
In December 2021, Megan Thee Stallion officially graduated from TSU. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration. The broadcast completely omitted Texas Southern. This blurred the identities of two fierce Houston-area rivals. It also left out a verified basketball legend.
The HBCU has a basketball legend
The commentators also bypassed actual athletic royalty. They failed to recognize Zelmo “Big Z” Beaty. He is a foundational pillar of Prairie View basketball. Beaty was a remarkably dominant center. He led the Panthers to the 1962 NAIA National Championship. Later, he enjoyed a Hall of Fame professional career. Overlooking Beaty erased historical athletic context for a quick pop-culture reference.
Prairie View faced tall task
On the court, the matchup underscored a massive resource gap. The Panthers faced a heavily funded Florida Gators squad. Florida boasted an imposing frontcourt featuring a 7-foot-9 center. Prairie View fought hard early but suffered a 114-55 blowout loss. The size mismatch was undeniably severe. Head coach Byron Smith gave a brutally honest assessment. He admitted his team needed “some help from the Lord.”
A lesson about HBCU legacy
Ultimately, the tournament spotlight proved Black colleges face unique storytelling hurdles. Megan Thee Stallion’s time on “The Hill” shaped her unapologetic persona. Yet, her true collegiate legacy belongs with both HBCUs. The rapper remains fiercely dedicated to her fellow alumni. She plans to open assisted living facilities using her wealth. Furthermore, she intends to hire recent TSU graduates to run them.
The rapper is also releasing an Amazon documentary. It will detail her vulnerable moments as a student. Fans will see exactly how she balanced fame and textbooks. She honors her specific collegiate roots with genuine investment. National media must put that same dedicated effort into their research. Their distinct histories shouldn’t be lumped together on national television.
- Steven J. Gaither
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
REPORTS REVEAL AL-HILAL'S ASKING PRICE TO SELL JOAO CANCELO TO BARCELONA IN THE SUMMER
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| Cancelo pictured with his daughter |
According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal are demanding €15 million to let Cancelo join Barcelona in the summer. The full-back has demonstrated his usefulness under Hansi Flick, especially in games where his energy and attacking aggression from full-back have stood out.
The price is not outrageous in today’s market, especially for a player with Cancelo’s experience and versatility. He can operate on either flank, brings creativity in the final third, and already understands the demands of playing for Barca.
At the same time, this is still not a simple deal. Barcelona do not just have to decide whether Cancelo is worth that amount, they also have to judge whether that money should be used on a 31-year-old whose game offers clear quality but can have defensive lapses.
Barcelona are not out of the woods financially and this is quite a significant investment to be making on a player who is on the wrong end of his peak years. As good as his impact has been on his loan stint so far, no one knows how long it will continue.
Considering Cancelo is no longer in Al Hilal’s plans, if the player intends to continue at Barcelona, the Catalan club will have the upper hand in negotiations and can drive a hard bargain to bring the fee down. It remains to be seen how things play out on this front in the coming months.
- Kannan
FORMER ARSENAL STAR DEFENDS MIKEL ARTETA ON STARTING KEPA AT THE CARABAO CUP FINAL
Bacary Sagna explains why starting Mikel Arteta starting Kepa over David Raya in Carabao Cup final wasn't a mistake:
🗣️ “Mikel Arteta did not make a mistake by starting Kepa over David Raya. Kepa is a top keeper and while his mistake cost Arsenal, it wasn’t the only reason why the Gunners lost the game.
"Arsenal sat back in the second half and invited pressure from Man City. They must learn to play dirty and send the ball long to relieve some pressure and position a higher block, rather than in their own box. Whenever they got the ball, they were adamant on playing from the back and they were punished for it.
"If Kai Havertz had scored his early chance in the game, it could’ve been a completely different result. James Trafford produced a set of great saves - he deserves a lot of praise for his performance.
“Arsenal need to forget about this result and learn from their mistakes. Arteta will use Sunday’s defeat to inspire the team for the remainder of the season and compete for the three major trophies they have a strong chance of winning.”
RANKING THE BEST KITS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA'S GENERATIONAL AWAY SHIRT
Many teams have unveiled their new home and away kits for the 2026 World Cup, but a handful stand out amongst the rest.
Can you believe it? We are just 80 days away from witnessing the opening match at this summer's World Cup, an event that will be welcomed by kit-lovers all over the world.
The tournament will get underway on June 11 as co-hosts Mexico welcome South Africa to the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico will wear a shirt that pays homage to one of their most iconic jerseys, the 1998 World Cup design worn in France, while South Africa are expected to don their viral green and gold striped kit.
Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, the kit that features traditional patterns and stripes could be a fan favourite at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Someone on social media described the design as a masterpiece, while another commented: "The best national jersey I've seen".
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| Adidas home kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
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| Adidas away kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Getty |
Most of those taking part in the 48-team tournament have been introduced to their new-look kit, with the likes of Adidas and Nike launching their designs to the wider public in recent months.
So, which kits stand out amongst the rest?
SPORTbible have decided to pick out some of our favourites ahead of this summer's showpiece event, and before you mention it, yes, we enjoy the classic Adidas trefoil logo, but who doesn't?
Scotland – Away
Blending heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, Scotland have returned to scarlet red – last used in the 1980s – for this summer's World Cup.
The design draws on some of Scotland’s most iconic away kits, with its vertical purple pinstripes "adding depth and detail to create a dynamic look that stands out on the international stage."
Sometimes, simple is best. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| Scotland's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
South Africa – Away
Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, South Africa might just scrape the award for best kit at this year's World Cup.
The updated design pays tribute to South Africa's 12 official languages, which is described by Adidas as "a powerful reflection of the nation's diversity, unity, and shared love for football."
Moreover, the subtle graphic elements woven into the fabric symbolise "the many voices that rise together in stadiums across the country and around the world."
Everything about this kit is sublime. From the dark green and gold colour combination to its stripes and traditional patterns, it really is a thing of beauty. SPORTbible rating: 10/10.
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| South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Chile – Away
Chile's vibrant away kit for this summer's World Cup pays homage to the Desierto Florido, a rare natural phenomenon that occasionally transforms the Atacama Desert into a colourful bloom.
A recurring theme in this list is Adidas and its wonderful retro trefoil logo. For the first time in 36 years, the classic logo has returned to the international football stage, and we couldn't be happier about it.
The classic Originals look injects a 90's vibe to proceedings and this kit, with its striking floral graphic and earthy crackle design, is a joy to behold. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Costa Rica – Away
Inspired by the colourful toucan, a bird that symbolises social connection, this all-over blue and fuchsia design embodies the spirit of Costa Rica's friendly and joyful culture. One thing is for sure, it will stand out on match day.
The pastel pinks and blues are wonderful. Not everyone's cup of tea but we're a big fan. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| Costa Rica's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Germany – Home
Like so many of the other shirts at this summer's tournament, Germany has paid homage to some of the nation’s most iconic jerseys in years gone by, with its diamond shape and chevron detailing.
For us, long-sleeved shirts are a winner. A timeless classic which will be the last Adidas release before Nike take over. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| Germany's home kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Curacao – Away
Another contender for the best kit at this summer's World Cup. The Curacao away kit celebrates the capital city, Willemstad, and the colourful buildings that reside in its Punda and Otrobanda districts.
A colourful tribute to Curacao's distinctive architecture, the shirt is predominantly pastel yellow, with bold pink, turquoise, and orange stripes, as well as blue details on its sleeves and cuffs.
A stunning jersey for the country’s first-ever World Cup. SPORTbible rating: 9.5/10
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| Curacao's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Germany – Away
For the second time in this list, Germany has been given a mention. And can you blame us? This shirt is a nod to the blue quarter zips worn in 1954, as well as the classic training tops of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Adding to the retro aesthetic, a continuous zigzag pattern of diagonal jagged stripes runs across the fabric, drawing inspiration from classic Adidas shoebox designs.
"I find a Germany jersey in this color unusual – but really good,” said Germany's Florian Wirtz. We agree. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| Germany's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Japan – Away
The shirt features 12 vertical stripes over an off-white base, with eleven of those lines representing the players on the field. The red one in the middle? Well, that embodies the red sun of the national flag.
This design is reminiscent of baseball shirts, with the sport being one of the most popular in Japan. Simple, but effective. SPORTbible rating: 8/10
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| Japan's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas. Image credit: Adidas |
France – Away
The only Nike representative on this list. (Sorry, we just love the trefoil logo).
France’s glacier green away kit for the World Cup pays homage to the Statue of Liberty, with its colours mimicking those of the statue, a gift to the US from France in 1886. In fact, this jersey is called "Liberté".
Meanwhile, the copper-colored rooster is another homage to the colour of the Statue of Liberty before its oxidation. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| France's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Nike |
Thoughts on our list? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Adidas
- Jack Kenmare
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