REAL MADRID SET TO SIGN ONE OF THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TALENT AFTER $195M BID

 

Photo: Getty Images

Real Madrid look set to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from negotiations, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Diomande is one of the hottest properties in this transfer window, having starred for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga.

Ornstein reports that Los Blancos had a bid rejected by Leipzig ‘around 10 days ago’ and returned with a new offer ‘worth €120million (A$195m, which includes a €100m (A$163m) fixed fee.’

The German outfit are reportedly yet to respond to that proposal, which is ‘expected to be turned down’, but the two clubs expect a deal will eventually be reached.

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal has been reached for a fee ‘in excess of €100m’.

He reports that Diomande will fly to Madrid this week for medical tests and to sign a five-year deal.

Real Madrid expected to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. 1st bid rejected ~10 days ago, 2nd (€100m fixed, €120m package) set to be rejected but agreement likely soon. #PSG out; 19yo returns to #RBLeipzig on Mon with wish to join #RMFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/xc6EPzjCdr — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 26, 2026

PSG were right in the mix to sign Diomande, who was said to be keen on joining the reigning Champions League winners, but were put off by the asking price and have now turned their attention to other options, amid reports Bradley Barcola is set to leave the club.

The Athletic report that Leipzig are ‘holding out for a fee closer to €130m (A$212m).

Should they achieve that, Diomande would become the eight most expensive player in football history, behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers, Elliott Anderson and Philippe Coutinho, per Transfermarkt.

That would be quite extraordinary when you consider where the 19-year-old was just a few years ago.

It was barely 18 months ago that Diamonde was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida, before joining LaLiga side Leganes, where he made three reserve team appearances before being called up to the first team.

Leipzig paid his €20m release clause to bring him to the Bundesliga, where he exploded immediately. They look set to make a huge profit on the winger.

He could become the most expensive Real Madrid player ever, surpassing the fee the Spanish giants paid to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the club set for an enormous transfer window having brought Jose Mourinho back as head coach.

They’ve already signed Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, while reports suggest Madrid are also working on a deal to sign World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.

- JAKE ROSENGARTEN

STUNNING GYOKERES HAT-TRICK FIRES SWEDEN TO WIN

Viktor Gyokeres netted a fine hat-trick to help Sweden move one step closer to World Cup qualification with a 3-1 win over Ukraine.

Sweden headed to Valencia for the European playoff semi-final, with our summer signing opening the scoring after just six minutes.

Viktor doubled his tally on 51 minutes before firing home a penalty to ensure he would take home the match ball. 

Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, will now face Poland, who defeated Albania in their semi-final, in Solna, with the winner advancing to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

NORGAARD NETS 

There was more joy for our stars in the European playoffs as Christian Norgaard scored for Denmark as they took a step closer to qualifying for a third straight finals.

The Danes took on North Macedonia in Copenhagen and opened the scoring in the second half through Mikkel Damsgaard. The Brentford attacker then doubled his tally on the night before Rasmus Hojlund added a third.

There was still enough time for Christian to find the net, producing a bullet header from Christian Eriksen's cross to round off a fine night's work.

Denmark will now take on Czechia, who came from 2-0 down to beat Ireland on penalties and will host the playoff final in Prague.

CALAFIORI ONE AWAY FROM WORLD CUP

Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori ensured it was three wins from three in the European playoffs for our Gunners as Italy downed Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo.

Richy started for Gennaro Gattuso's side as Italy looked to right the wrongs of two previous failed qualifications - and it took 56 minutes to make the breakthrough courtesy of Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.

Former Everton attacker Moise Kean scored the second for Italy, who will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the summer tournament in Zenica.

MARTINELLI MINUTES

Away from World Cup qualification, Gabriel Martinelli picked up his 21st cap for Brazil as the five-time World Cup champions took on France in Foxborough, USA.

Gabi started for Carlo Ancelotti's side and went close early on, bending his shot narrowly wide at the Gillette Stadium. 

Our forward played 62 minutes as goals from Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike gave Les Bleus a 2-1 victory, with Gleison Bremer netting for The Seleção.

Finally, Max Dowman played 88 minutes in England under-19s 2-0 defeat against Serbia. Max was bright throughout, forcing Vuk Draškić into two good saves.

FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED INTERNATIONAL GAMES

*all times UK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

England U19 0-2 Serbia U19

Max Dowman started, played 88 minutes

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia

Christian Norgaard netted late on in the victory

Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland

Riccardo Calafiori played the full 90 minutes, kept a clean sheet

Ukraine 1-3 Sweden

Viktor Gyokeres netted a hat-trick

Brazil 1-2 France

Gabriel Martinelli played 62 minutes

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Andorra U21 v England U21 (Setford, Lewis-Skelly)

Euro U21 qualifier | Andorra | 6.30pm

England (Saka, Madueke, White, Rice) v Uruguay

Friendly | Wembley | 7.45pm

Switzerland v Germany (Havertz)

Friendly | Basel | 8pm

Spain (Raya, Zubimendi, Mosquera) v Serbia

Friendly | Villarreal | 8pm

Morocco v Ecuador (Hincapie)

Friendly | Madrid, Spain | 8.15pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

England U19s (Dowman) v Poland U19s

Euro U19 qualifier | Guimaraes, Portugal | 11am

MONDAY, MARCH 30

Germany (Havertz) v Ghana

Friendly | Stuttgart | 7.45pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

Portugal U19s v England U19s (Dowman)

Euro U19 qualifier | Guimaraes, Portugal | 4pm

England U21s (Lewis-Skelly, Setford) v Moldova U21s

Euro U21 qualifier | Norwich | 7pm

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy (Calafiori)

World Cup qualifier | Zenica | 7.45pm

Czech Republic v Denmark (Norgaard)

World Cup qualifier | Prague | 7.45pm

Sweden (Gyokeres) v Poland 

World Cup qualifier | Solna | 7.45pm

England (Saka, Madueke, Rice, White) v Japan

Friendly | London | 7.45pm

Netherlands v Ecuador (Hincapie)

Friendly | Eindhoven | 7.45pm

Spain (Mosquera, Raya, Zubimendi) v Egypt

Friendly | Cornella | 8pm

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Brazil (Martinelli) v Croatia

Friendly | Orlando USA | 1am

- Arsenal 

REAL MADRID FORWARD INDIRECTLY CAUGHT IN LEGAL PROBE OVER WORLD CUP BONUS DONATIONS

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has found himself indirectly involved in a legal issue stemming from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The matter, however, does not appear to be his fault.

Almost three years after scoring a historic hat-trick in the World Cup final against Argentina, Mbappe is now at the centre of an investigation in France. 

The issue? A generous gesture he made to members of the French police force who were part of the team’s security during the tournament has sparked a probe by French tax authorities.

Police under investigation 

As reported by the outlet, five police officers are under investigation for receiving part of Mbappe’s World Cup bonus. 

The payments were meant as a personal thank-you from the star striker. In principle, this type of gesture is not unusual, especially considering the role the police played in ensuring the French squad’s safety in Qatar.

According to the report, four officers each received a cheque for €30,000, while a fifth, believed to be their superior, received a cheque for €60,300. In total, Mbappe handed over €180,300 of his World Cup earnings in this donation.

The problem arose when the police officers declared the money to the French Treasury. Authorities are now investigating whether the funds were properly reported and if the correct procedures were followed for such sizeable gifts.

Mbappe himself has a signed statement on record confirming that he voluntarily decided to donate this money, not only to these officers but also to various associations. 

This document could help clear his name of any legal responsibility. Nevertheless, French prosecutors are continuing their investigation to ensure all financial and legal aspects of the transactions were above board.

At this point, it appears that Mbappe is simply caught in the crossfire of a case focusing on the police officers involved, rather than being accused of any wrongdoing himself.

- Swapnil

PSG INFLICT HUMILIATING DEFEAT ON REAL MADRID TO REAC CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz (bottom) celebrates with defender Achraf Hakimi after Ruiz scored PSG's third goal of its Club World Cup semifinal win over Real Madrid on Wednesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. | AFP-JIJI

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – Fabian Ruiz scored twice as European champion Paris Saint-Germain turned on the style in its reunion with Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday, thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals of the Club World Cup to set up a showdown with Chelsea.

Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele scored inside nine minutes to stun Real and silence the majority of the 77,542 crowd who were wearing white at MetLife Stadium outside New York.

The Spanish midfielder added another before halftime and Goncalo Ramos got a late fourth as Luis Enrique's side moved one game away from glory at FIFA's new mega-tournament.

Victory against Chelsea on Sunday would complete a campaign of unparalleled success for the Parisians, who won the French title and then the first UEFA Champions League in their history in May.

"We are in a special season, a special moment, and we deserved to win," Luis Enrique told broadcaster DAZN before looking ahead to the final.

"We are going to try, one more step against a good team like Chelsea. They did great, they performed the whole competition and now it is time for us to prepare for that ... we want to make history in our club, and then take some holidays."

After blowing away Inter Milan 5-0, the biggest victory in Champions League final history, PSG began their Club World Cup bid by putting four past Atletico Madrid and the ease with which they disposed of Real was striking.

PSG's fluidity contrasted starkly with Real Madrid, which is a work in progress under new coach Xabi Alonso.

"We were not good enough today," said Alonso. "We are not the first ones to lose to them but we have a lot of different things to improve."

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe during his team's semifinal defeat at the hands of his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. | AFP-JIJI

Mbappe struggled to make any impact in his first start at the tournament and in his first game against PSG since leaving the French club last year.

The defeat is a real blow to Real as it hoped to win the first 32-team Club World Cup to add to its record tally of 15 European titles.

PSG was without imposing center-back Willian Pacho due to suspension following his sending-off against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, but that did not matter.

Lucas Beraldo slotted into the defense with ease, and the rest of PSG's first-choice lineup was there.

Real was missing central defender Dean Huijsen through suspension, while the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold was an added blow.

The return to the starting lineup of Mbappe, who missed the entire group stage due to illness, did not prevent young striker Gonzalo Garcia from keeping his place.

But the Spanish club's front line, completed by Vinicius Junior, made no real impact, such was the extent of PSG's domination.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made two superb saves inside the opening five minutes, the first to tip away a Ruiz shot, and the second to deny Nuno Mendes from point-blank range.

Yet Courtois could not prevent Paris from scoring in the sixth minute, as Dembele pounced on slack defending by Raul Asencio. The Real goalkeeper saved at the forward's feet but Ruiz converted the loose ball.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos (top, center) scores his team's fourth goal on Wednesday. | AFP-JIJI

Three minutes later and the contest was effectively over when Antonio Rudiger failed to control a simple pass from Jude Bellingham, allowing Dembele to run through before finishing low into the corner.

Like his friend Mbappe, Dembele was starting for the first time at the competition after dealing with an injury. That was a 35th club goal since August for a player who is a serious candidate for the Ballon d'Or.

It was turning into a humiliating afternoon for Real as PSG got its third midway through the first half.

A deflected shot by Mbappe was easily held by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and no Madrid player touched the ball again before they were picking it out of their net a minute later.

Dembele released Achraf Hakimi on the right and he squared for Ruiz, with the Spain star taking a touch to hold off Fede Valverde before finishing.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could have got a fourth before the interval, while Desire Doue had a goal disallowed early in the second half.

But Real was not coming back, and Alonso opted to take off Bellingham and Vinicius just after the hour mark in a clear sign of surrender.

PSG then got its fourth after 87 minutes when Ramos controlled a pass from fellow substitute Bradley Barcola, turned and fired in.

- ANDY SCOTT

BARCELONA EDGE REAL MADRID IN EXTRA-TIME TO WIN WILD COPA DEL REY FINAL

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid

Team Barcelona wins the Copa Del Rey title© AFP

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick's reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion. Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.

However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the La Liga leaders.

"It was a good time to bring joy to our fans -- we have to enjoy it but without forgetting the Champions League semis are coming," Torres told La 1. Barca host Inter Milan on Wednesday.

"They can make a party -- for today, it's OK," a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.

Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for appearing to throw an object onto the pitch towards the referee, and Lucas Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest as Madrid unravelled.

"I don't want to talk about the referee," said stone-faced Madrid coach Ancelotti.

"I don't know what happened at the end."

Madrid started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury and lost Ferland Mendy early on with a thigh issue.

Ancelotti sent on Fran Garcia to take over the job of shackling Barcelona's dazzling teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old Spain star, who dyed his hair blond for the game, led the assault on Thibaut Courtois' goal.

The Catalans, who won the first two Clasicos this season in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.

They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box.

It was a sensational goal, starting with a smart Pau Cubarsi interception in his own half, before Pedri spread the play to Yamal, who teed him up once the Canary Islander reached the area.

Barcelona's opener brought Madrid out of their shell -- and also Mbappe off the bench to warm up.

The excellent Jude Bellingham netted but was offside. Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty as Inigo Martinez hacked him down but had also strayed off in the build-up.

Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo's corner hitting the post and Cubarsi unable to turn home as Dani Ceballos held him back.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday's drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments denouncing attacks on officials by the club's television channel.

Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo Goes at half-time and soon he and Vinicius began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

End to end

Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute.

The striker surged forward and was brought down on the edge of the box. He then fired the free-kick home off the post.

Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni heading Arda Guler's corner past the helpless Szczesny.

Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard pipped both to the ball and rolled home.

Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.

Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger appeared to fell Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure from Raul Asencio.

However the referee, called to review the incident by VAR, overturned his decision.

In extra-time Barcelona were ascendent.

They found their winner when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois from range, sparking wild celebrations.

Rudiger's dismissal and Madrid's pre-match histrionics regarding the officials will ensure the repercussions run on. The teams meet again in La Liga in May in a potential title decider.

- Agence France-Presse

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ SAYS HE IS VICTIM OF 'FAKE NEWS' AFTER RAPE REPORT IN SWEDEN

Mbappe claims he is owed 55 million euros by PSG. AFP

Kylian Mbappé said Monday he was the victim of "fake news" after a Swedish newspaper reported an investigation had been opened for rape following a visit by the Real Madrid star's entourage to Stockholm.

Mbappe claimed in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there was a link between the report in the Aftonbladet newspaper and his hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday in his bitter dispute over unpaid wages with his former club Paris Saint-Germain. "FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance," Mbappe posted.

The 25-year-old player's entourage called the report a "slanderous rumour" and threatened to take legal action. Mbappe claims he is owed 55 million euros ($60 million) by the Qatari-owned French champions. The 2018 World Cup winner was not selected for France's Nations League fixtures last week, and spent Thursday and Friday in the Swedish capital.

On Thursday, Mbappe and a group of people accompanying him dined at a restaurant, then went to a nightclub, according to reports from 'Aftonbladet'. The newspaper said a rape was committed "in Stockholm city centre", citing a formal complaint made to police on Saturday that it had seen. Aftonbladet said the complaint was made after the alleged victim had sought medical attention but did not say who was named in the accusation.

A prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: "A probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm." Swedish police refused to give any further details. "In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation," said police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind.

The Swedish newspaper published photos on its website on Monday showing police officers in front of the hotel where Mbappe and the group with him had stayed. Mbappe's entourage said in a statement sent to AFP: "Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.

"These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable. In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of (the) image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly," the statement added. A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP it would "ignore" Mbappe's claim that there was a link between the report in Sweden and his dispute with the club. Mbappe joined Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG.

- BeSoccer

LIVERPOOL 'REACHED AGREEMENT TO SIGN KYLIAN MBAPPÉ' AS PSG SPEAK OUT

Liverpool's interest in Kylian Mbappe was widely known, but it has now emerged that an official agreement had been struck.

Kylian Mbappe playing at Anfield for PSG in the Champions League. (Image: Getty)

Liverpool reportedly reached an agreement to sign Kylian Mbappe before the 2018 World Cup winner made his long-awaited move to Real Madrid.

The La Liga outfit are rumoured to have paid Mbappe a signing bonus of £85million, with the Frenchman having penned an initial five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But had things worked out differently for Mbappe, he might’ve been playing in the red and white of Liverpool instead.

That’s because it’s claimed by L’Equipe that Liverpool and Mbappe had reached a shock agreement over the attacker’s transfer two summers ago.

It’s suggested by the French outlet that Mbappe was dissatisfied with the sporting project at Paris Saint-Germain shortly after signing a contract extension in 2022.

Mbappe is believed to have been upset that PSG failed to land either Bernardo Silva or Robert Lewandowski, so much so, that the world-renowned superstar reportedly submitted a transfer request.

Liverpool, on the back of an agonising season that saw them finish second in both the Premier League and Champions League, are said to have emerged as the most likely destination at the time.

The Reds even tried their luck at luring him out of PSG, with a bid reported to be in excess of £160m submitted to the Parisian giants.

Needless to say, their approach was laughed off by PSG, who had just handed Mbappe a monster contract and were instead holding out for upwards of £300m for his signature.

Mbappe addressed these rumours during a 2022 interview with the Telegraph, saying: “We talked a little bit, but not too much. I talked to Liverpool because it's the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don't know why, you will have to ask her. It's a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It's a big club."

Whereas then manager Jurgen Klopp had issued a coy response when quizzed on whether the club held interest in the speed-merchant.

Speaking a summer later in 2023, Klopp commented: “I can say that I think he's [Mbappe] a really good player, but the financial conditions don't suit us at all. I wouldn’t like to ruin the story now, but as far as I know, there's nothing to it.

"It's possible that someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me, but that hasn’t happened in the eight years that I've been here. That would be the first time."

- AMOS MURPHY

MIXED NIGHT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPÉ BUT KANTÉ ROLLS BACK THE YEARS

Kylian Mbappe is always the headline act when he pulls on the France shirt, but an old campaigner shared top billing by rolling back the years as Austria were eventually overcome in Dusseldorf.

Mbappe's so far chequered relationship with the European Championship continues and was summed up in one eventful night as he carved out France's fortunate winner, missed a simple chance barely anyone in Dusseldorf Arena could believe, before finding himself covered in blood from a nasty nose injury following an aerial collision.

He even picked up a yellow card after what looked like a blatant act of gamesmanship from France as the blood-stained Mbappe, clearly unable to play on, went back on, dropping theatrically to the floor before being substituted, precious time wasted.

It was a needless caution that France will hope does not prove costly later in the tournament.

On this night, however, France can offer most gratitude to the peerless 33-year-old N'Golo Kante, who showed exactly why coach Didier Deschamps was so keen to name him in his squad for the Euros after a two-year exile from the international stage.

'Kante still ticks all the boxes'

Kante last played for France in a Uefa Nations League game against Denmark in June 2022 before making his comeback in the friendly against Luxembourg earlier this month.

He may now be plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, but Deschamps knows rich pedigree and a proven winning record when he sees it and Kante still ticks all the boxes - despite being at the latter stage of a glittering career.

Kante won the World Cup with France in 2018, the Premier League with Leicester City and Chelsea and also lifted the Europa League and Champions League trophies while at Stamford Bridge.

And on the evidence he produced in the winning start that is always so vital in these tournaments, Kante is not on a sentimental journey here in Germany.

From the first whistle to the last in this 1-0 win, Kante showed he still possesses all the old instincts to sniff out danger, keep the midfield - and as a consequence the France team - ticking over and act as an impenetrable shield against any Austria threat.

It was summed up in one vital moment late on when, with Austria chasing an equaliser, substitute Patrick Wimmer broke clear and was racing towards France keeper Mike Maignan.

Kante was yards behind Wimmer but found the pace and positioning to overhaul him, then got in front of the Austrian to sweep the ball away before he could get his shot - and a potential equaliser - on target.

It brought a huge roar of approval from the massed ranks of France fans inside Arena Dusseldorf. It was a typical Kante moment that effectively sealed the win.

He was rightly voted man of the match, his value to Deschamps underscored. The great teams always like to have an Mbappe - but they also need a Kante.

Whether Kante can produce this standard regularly at the veteran stage remains to be seen, but his track record suggests you would not bet against it.

Mbappe was at the centre of the action throughout as he tries to fill the gap in his international collection after also winning the World Cup in 2018.

He has yet to score in the Euros, missing the decisive penalty when France lost to Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

He saw an early chance turned into the side-netting by Austria keeper Patrick Pentz before showing searing pace after his sleight of foot left defender Phillipp Mwene trailing, his cross then being headed into his own net by Maximilian Wober.

Mbappe was always in the action, against demonstrating lightning speed to haul in Wober after the break before placing a shot wide with the goal at his mercy. He was not the only one inside the stadium left holding his head in disbelief, showing even the best are fallible.

It remains to be seen whether Mbappe's nose injury, sustained in a hefty aerial collision with Austria's Kevin Danso, keeps him out of Group D's big game when France meet the Netherlands on Friday.

Mbappe's bloody and painful end to the night was the only downside as France, while never at their best, showed their pace and threat in the shape of Ousmane Dembele and the enduring guile of Antoine Griezmann.

Kante outshone them all, looking at his best as he proved two years away from the France team and playing in the less-intense environment of the Saudi Pro League has not blunted his competitive edge or hunger for success.

- Phil McNulty, Chief football writer in Dusseldorf

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE ON KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

 

RIO FERDINAND HAS NAMED 12 PLAYERS HE CONSIDERS AS WORLD-CLASS AS A CONTROVERSIAL JUDE BELLINGHAM CLAIM WAS MADE

 

PA Wire

Since retiring from professional football, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has been working as a pundit, often appearing on TNT Sports’ coverage.

On Wednesday night, Ferdinand was tasked with naming a list of world-class players.

The 12 players were - Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane, Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.

However, fellow pundit and former Arsenal man Martin Keown questioned whether Bellingham can be considered as world-class.

He said: “I think Bellingham is one I question. He’s in amazing form, what he’s doing at Real Madrid right now, but we look at Saka.

“Saka’s been the England Player of the Year. Bellingham hasn’t got a look in. Maybe Rio is being a bit mischievous with Arsenal fans.”

Ferdinand then explained: “They’ve actually got that list a little bit wrong, because Bellingham was on the list just below that on his own, edging into there. I think the thing that lets him not be on that list, for me right now, is just time. He will be there – he’s in world-class form. You just need that time – and that’s where I see Saka.

“Saka’s got that world-class potential, he just hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League – the longevity is the difference. If you look at that list, you can see they’ve played in the top, most prestigious games and they’ve produced in those moments. And they’ve all done ridiculous things over a long period of time.”

Ferdinand received criticism from Arsenal fans after claiming Saka is not world-class, he said: “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.

“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Marcus Chan

MBAPPÉ'S EXPECTED DEPARTURE A 'BIG LOSS' FOR PSG, FANS SAY

Reuters 

France captain Kylian Mbappe's expected departure from Paris St Germain is a huge loss for the team, but may be good news for him, fans said on Friday after widespread reports that the 25-year-old forward told his team he was leaving.

Mbappe, a member of France's 2018 World Cup-winning team, has told the club he would leave a free agent when his contract ends in June, seven years after joining them, numerous French media reported on Thursday.

It's "a really big loss, he is a very important player," 22-year-old fan Gwendal said.

"For PSG, obviously, it's ... a big loss," said 19-year old fan Tristan, a student. But, he added: "It's a good thing for him personally, yes. Because if he joins Real (Madrid), it's the club where he can really win titles and the Ballon d'Or, I think."

MBAPPÉ, MESSI AND HAALAND AMONG FIFA BEST AWARD NOMINEES, BONMATI ON WOMAN'S LIST

Reuters 

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are on the short-list for The Best FIFA Men's Player Award, while Spain's Aitana Bonmati is among the nominees for the Best Women's Player on the back of winning the Golden Ball at the World Cup.

Half of the dozen nominees in the men's category were part of Manchester City's 2022-23 treble-winning squad, while City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola is nominated for Best Men's Coach.

MESSI, HAALAND, MBAPPÉ NOMINATED FOR BALLON D'OR

Argentina forward Lionel Messi was among the nominees for the men's Ballon d'Or trophy announced by organisers France Football magazine on Wednesday.

Seven-times winner Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December, their first triumph since 1986.

ANCELOTTI RULES OUT REAL MADRID MOVE FOR MBAPPÉ IN THOS WINDOW

Reuters 

Real Madrid have ruled out signing Kylian Mbappe before the transfer window closes next week, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday as the Paris St Germain forward continues to be linked with the LaLiga club.

Ancelotti added that Real are unlikely to do any more transfer business in the current window which closes on Sept. 1.

When asked about France striker Mbappe, he told reporters: "No, I rule it out 100%. I think our squad is closed and our players are thinking about our season."

ITALIAN STAR KEEPER BUFFON HANGS UP HIS GLOVES AFTER 28 YEARS

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has retired from football, the 45-year-old announced on Wednesday, after 28 years in which he reached exceptional milestones for club and country.

Buffon, who in 2006 lifted the World Cup, won 10 Serie A titles with Juventus and a Ligue 1 title with Paris St Germain.

"That's all folks! You gave me everything. I gave you everything. We did it together," Buffon said in a statement.

PSG SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING BARCELONA’S €60 MILLION-RATED PLAYER

Getty

In what could be termed a big blow to Barcelona, a report from Diario AS has emerged that Paris Saint-Germain are seriously considering a move for Ousmane Dembele if they manage to sell Kylian Mbappe this summer.

PSG’s new coach, Luis Enrique has already given the green light to the operation, and from Barcelona’s point of view, it is believed that they are willing to negotiate, especially considering the fact that his release clause will be reverted to €100 million on August 1.

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ'S WORLD RECORD OFFER FROM AL HILAL

 

KEEPING UP WITH KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

 

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ 'HONOURED ' TO BE IN CAMEROON

 

AFP

French football star Kylian Mbappé says he is "honoured" to be visiting Cameroon, his country "of origin".

"I'm so happy to be here," he added, saying that people have shown him so much "love".

Earlier, football fans described to the BBC the excitement they felt about the trip.

"We've all been awaiting the moment and its finally here," one man told the BBC's Newsday radio programme."

"It's a huge boost for Cameroon, not just for Cameroon but for the entire continent," the fan added. "Having him around shows that home is home - you have to come back to your home."

LIVERPOOL HAVE EMBARKED ON THE QUEST FOR FRENCH SUPER STAR MBAPPEÉ

Liverpool have launched a mega offer to try and bring Kylian Mbappe to the club this summer, according to a report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV.

Which club is Kylian Mbappe moving to?

Currently, the forward plays for PSG in Ligue 1 and has continued to astound and impress with his efforts in attack for the club. Despite still being only 24-years-old, he has already bagged an astonishing 148 Ligue 1 goals for the Parisiens, with 49 assists to boot.

When you consider that he has only started 158 games during that time too, it makes for even more impressive reading. The Frenchman now has a rate of 1.25 goals or assists per 90 over the last six seasons - meaning he almost guarantees one or the other every time he completes a fixture.