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ACHRAF HAKIMI MAKES HISTORY WITH LANDMARK WIN AS THE AFRICAN FOORBALLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 CAF AWARDS

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Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday, becoming the first defender in 52 years to earn the honour as he finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final voteThe Moroccan full-back received the accolade after an outstanding 2025 season with PSG, during which he lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup. Hakimi is the first Moroccan player to take the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defender to do so since Zaire's Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

"It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award. This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in African," Hakimi said.

"And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all."

Morocco also dominated several other categories, with Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak named Women's Footballer of the Year and Al-Hilal keeper Yassine Bounou taking the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year prize for a third consecutive time, following her recent transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women's Super League.

Cape Verde's Bubista was honoured as Coach of the Year after guiding the small island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance, set to take place next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

- Indo-Asian News Service

SATURDAYS RESULTS | TOP 5 EUROPEAN LEAGUES

 

PREMIER LEAGUE VS. FOUR TOP LEAGUES IN SPENDING

 

BERNARD LACOMBE DEAD AT 72: LEGENDARY FRANCE STRIKER WHO WON EURO 1984 PASSES AWAY AS TRIBUTES FLOOR IN

• Bernard Lacombe won the European Championship with France back in 1984 

• The prolific former striker is still the second-highest ever goalscorer in Ligue 1 

• French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed him as 'remarkable' 

Legendary former France international Bernard Lacombe has passed away at the age of 72. 

The prolific striker is perhaps best remembered as one of the victorious European Champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini, and netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances. 

One of those strikes remains a record-breaker today, after Lacombe scored within 30 seconds of the World Cup clash with Italy back in 1978, France's fastest at football's greatest competition. 

Beyond success on the international scene, Lacombe was known in the seventies and eighties as one of the most lethal forwards in France. 

In fact, he has the second-most goals of any player in Ligue 1 history, registering 255 strikes in 497 appearances across stints with Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux. 

French giants Lyon, where he played 258 times, paid tribute to their former star and manager on social media in the wake of the tragic news.

'It is with immense sadness that we learned on Tuesday evening of the passing of Bernard Lacombe,' they wrote.

'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as with the fans of Olympique Lyonnais and football.

'Rest in peace, Bernard.'

After hanging up his boots, Lacombe went on to manage Lyon - where he came through the ranks having been born in the city - for four years between 1996 and 2000, winning the Intertoto Cup in 1997.

He would also spend 20 years as a special advisor to owner Jean-Michel Aulas, and was reportedly crucial to the retention of a number of the club's Brazilian players, such as Juninho. 

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, added an emotive response to the news, saying: 'It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Bernard Lacombe. Bernard Lacombe left an indelible mark on French football, as a player, coach, and manager.

'He was one of the greatest strikers in the history of French football. The second-highest scorer in Division 1, he made his mark on the glorious history of Lyon, Saint-Étienne, and Bordeaux. He also shone with the French national team. His goals helped establish Les Bleus on the international stage.

'Bernard Lacombe was a major contributor to the 1984 European Championship title. He performed some of France's greatest feats, including his goal in the opening seconds of the game against Italy at the 1978 World Cup. He was undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many strikers.

.'After his remarkable playing career, Bernard Lacombe put his footballing knowledge to work for Olympique Lyonnais, his beloved club.

'With Jean-Michel Aulas, whom I am thinking of very much in these difficult moments, he formed a duo that transformed OL into a successful club.

'Deeply attached to his city, his club, and his friends, Bernard Lacombe will be deeply missed.

'The Federation will pay tribute to him. On behalf of all French football, I extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.'

Bordeaux, for whom he featured 297 times and scored 137 goals, added on X: 'With immense sadness, Bernard Lacombe has just left us at the age of 72.

'Having played for [Bordeaux] between 1979 and 1987, this legendary striker left his mark on the club's history with his talent and generosity. 

'The entire Marine et Blanc family mourns today a striker of rare elegance, one of the greatest players in the club's history. Thank you, Bernard.'

- Dominic Hoogan

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KEVIN DURANT BUYS STAKE IN LEAGUE 1 CHAMPS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Nike.com

NBA star Kevin Durant has become a new minority shareholder of three-time defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, the French club announced on Wednesday.

The recent Olympic gold medalist with Team USA at the 2024 Olympics has invested a few millions dollars of his own money to join the club, a source told ESPN.

He did so via Arctos Sports Partners, the American investment fund which bought a 12.5% stake in the club in 2023, with PSG valued at $4.6 billion (€4.25bn). The aim of Durant's arrival at the club is to further develop the PSG brand in the U.S. from a marketing and sponsorship point of view, especially with the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted in America over the next two summers.

Durant, 35, who plays for the Phoenix Suns, is a big soccer fan and part owner of MLS side Philadelphia Union. He is a good friend of PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi and has visited the Paris training ground and Parc des Princes stadium several times prior to his investment.

As recently as Aug. 6, he went by the Campus PSG to say hello to some of the players, staff and head coach Luis Enrique.

Durant is very excited to be involved with the club, a source told ESPN, and is very serious about his investment in the club.

- Julien Laurens, Correspondent

MAN UNITED CONFIRM LENY YORO TRANSFER, BEATBMADRID TO SIGNING

Leny Yoro has signed for Manchester United. Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images

 Manchester United have completed the signing of 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from French Ligue 1 side Lille, the clubs confirmed Thursday.

United agreed a fee of €62 million ($67.6m), plus a potential €8m ($8.7m) in add-ons, to sign the France under-21 international, sources told ESPN.

Yoro has joined United despite interest from Real Madrid, after sources told ESPN that the Spanish side opted against engaging in a bidding war with the Premier League club for the centre-half.

Sources added that Yoro told Madrid of his intention to sign for United on Tuesday night after the Spanish club failed to make a move to sign him.

"Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour," Yoro said as part of the announcement. "Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.

"I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new teammates. I cannot wait to get started."

The defender will join Joshua Zirkzee, who signed from Bologna on Sunday, at Old Trafford.

Both signings were supported by the club's new football leadership put into place over the last few months following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner, as well as club scouts and manager Erik ten Hag, sources said.

"Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back," Man United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth said in a club statement. "Having had such an excellent start to his career we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.

"This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for."

Zirkee and Yoro effectively replace forward Anthony Martial and defender Raphaël Varane after the experienced duo departed the club earlier this summer.

The club has not ruled out making further defensive signings, sources told ESPN, with the club continuing to admire Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. However, the transfer fees remain a potential stumbling block with ESPN reporting that United have already had a £50 million ($64m) bid rejected for Branthwaite,

Yoro is regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe after becoming a first-team regular at Lille. He made his senior debut as a 16-year-old at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Information from ESPN's Mark Ogden contributed to this report.

- ESPN

WHAT AN EYEFUL! PSG'S NEW AWAY KIT INSPIRED BY EIFFEL TOWER

Paris Saint-Germain's Lucas Beraldo was among the club's stars to model the new kit from up the Eiffel Tower. Paris Saint-Germain

 Paris Saint-Germain have revealed their new away kit for the 2024-25 season, and they have taken inspiration from a seemingly obvious yet under-used source.

While the colours are what we have come to expect from a PSG jersey, what marks the latest shirt out is the large graphic splashed across the front which evokes the French capital's most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

Indeed, it is not the first time that a stylised silhouette of the Tower has been afforded pride of place on PSG's jerseys, with this new kit directly inspired by the white home jerseys worn by the Ligue 1 side in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

A very similar red-and-blue brushstroke-effect image of the iconic wrought-iron construction appeared on two PSG kits used between 1990 and 1992, with the modern iteration contemporary update of the classic graphic.

As it happens, that period didn't prove to be a particularly remarkable one for PSG, who finished ninth and third in Ligue 1 in 1990-91 and 1991-92 respectively, while also failing to make much headway in the domestic cup competitions on offer to them. How times have changed.

Regardless, it's perhaps fitting that the club have chosen to revisit their Eiffel Tower kits three decades on as Paris prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, with sports fans from all over the world set to descend upon the city ahead of a summer of elite action.

- Chris Wright, Toe Poke writer

EUROPE'S TOP SOCCER LEAGUES: TITLES, CUP FINALS, UCL, RELEGATION

Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

 The 2023-24 season is almost over with the battles for the major honours, European qualification, relegation and promotion pretty much settled.

Here's a roundup of what has been decided, and what's still at stake, in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish LaLiga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1.

Premier League

Season completed

Title

Manchester City were crowned champions for a record-setting fourth consecutive season.

Champions League (4)

CONFIRMED

1. Man City (38 games, 91 points)

2. Arsenal (38, 89)

3. Liverpool (38, 82)

4. Aston Villa (38, 68)

Europa League (2)

Man United beat 2-0 Man City in the FA Cup final (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only) to seal one spot in the Europa League (UEL). The second went to fifth place.

CONFIRMED

FA Cup: Manchester United

5. Tottenham Hotspur (38, 66)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

6. Chelsea (38, 63)

Relegation (3)

RELEGATED

18. Luton Town (38, 26)

19. Burnley (38, 24)

20. Sheffield United (38, 16)

Leicester City and Ipswich Town have been automatically promoted to the Premier League. Southampton beat Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship playoff final (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only) to take the final spot.

LaLiga

Season completed - promotion playoffs to be completed

Title

Real Madrid have been crowned champions.

Champions League (4)

CONFIRMED

1. Real Madrid (38, 95)

2. Barcelona (38, 85)

3. Girona (38, 81)

4. Atlético Madrid (38, 76)

Real Madrid have sealed the LaLiga title. Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Europa League (2)

Athletic won the Copa del Rey and will be in the Europa League, though they will also finish in the first Europa League place in fifth. That means the other UEL place goes to sixth, which Real Sociedad have claimed.

CONFIRMED

5. Athletic Club (38, 68)

6. Real Sociedad (38, 60)

Europa Conference League (1)

Real Betis cannot be overtaken for the final European place.

CONFIRMED

7. Real Betis (38, 57)

Relegation (3)

CONFIRMED

18. Cádiz (38, 33)

19. Almería (38, 21)

20. Granada (38, 21)

Leganes and Real Valladolid have been promoted into the top flight. Eibar, Espanyol, Real Oviedo and Racing Santander will take part in the promotion playoffs.

Bundesliga

Season completed

Title

Bayer Leverkusen won the first championship in their history with a remarkable unbeaten record.

Bayer Leverkusen have already lifted the trophy. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

Champions League (5)

The Bundesliga has sealed an extra place through the European Performance Spot, which sends the team in fifth to the UCL too.

CONFIRMED

1. Bayer Leverkusen (34, 90)

2. VfB Stuttgart (34, 73)

3. Bayern Munich (34, 72)

4. RB Leipzig (34, 65)

5. Borussia Dortmund (34, 63)

Europa League (2)

Leverkusen beat second division side Kaiserslautern 1-0 in the final of the DFB Pokal (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only), so both sixth and seventh get a UEL place.

CONFIRMED

6. Eintracht Frankfurt (34, 47)

7. TSG Hoffenheim (34, 46)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

8. Heidenheim (34, 42)

Relegation (2+1)

Two teams are relegated automatically, while third-bottom takes on third place in the 2. Bundesliga in a playoff.

RELEGATION PLAYOFF

16. VfL Bochum (34, 33)

Bochum looked destined to be relegated after losing 3-0 at home to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the first leg ... only for Bochum to win the return leg 3-0 and then secure their top-flight status with a 6-5 penalty-shootout win.

RELEGATED

17. FC Cologne (34, 27)

18. SV Darmstadt 98 (34, 17)

St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel have been automatically promoted into the Bundesliga.

Serie A

Season completed

Title

Internazionale wrapped up the Scudetto as runaway champions.

Inter Milan walked their way to the Scudetto. Getty Images

Champions League (5)

Like Germany, Italy has secured an extra place in next year's competition through its clubs' performance in Europe this season, meaning five clubs have qualified.

CONFIRMED

1. Internazionale (38, 94)

2. AC Milan (38, 75)

3. Juventus (38, 71)

4. Atalanta (38, 69)

5. Bologna (38, 68)

As Atalanta will finish in the top 4, Italy will remain on five places in the Champions League. Had Atalanta finished fifth, then AS Roma in sixth would also have been in the Champions League next season.

Europa League (2)

Juventus won the Coppa Italia, so sixth and seventh will qualify for the UEL.

CONFIRMED

6. AS Roma (38, 63)

7. Lazio (38, 61)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

8. Fiorentina (38, 60)

Relegation (3)

RELEGATED

18. Frosinone (38, 35)

19. Sassuolo (38, 30)

20. Salernitana (38, 17)

Frosinone began the final day in 16th, but they lost to 17th-placed Udinese, and 18-th placed Empoli scored in the 93rd minute to climb out of the drop zone.

Parma and Cesc Fàbregas' Como were promoted to Serie A automatically, while Venezia beat Cremonese in the playoff final.

Ligue 1

Season completed - relegation playoff remains

Title

Paris Saint-Germain secured the title with ease.

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to do the double in France. Aurelien Meunier - PSG/PSG via Getty Images

Champions League (3+1)

France gets three automatic places, with fourth place entering the UCL in the third qualifying round.

Remarkably Brest were in fourth when the games on the final day entered the 90th minute. Brest scored to go level with Lille on points and goal difference, but Lille stayed third on head to head. Then Lille conceded at home in the fourth minute of added time, sending Brest directly into the Champions League group stage.

CONFIRMED

1. Paris Saint-Germain (34, 76)

2. AS Monaco (34, 67)

3. Brest (34, 61)

4. Lille (34, 59)

The UEL places go to fifth and the winners of the Coupe de France -- PSG beat Lyon 2-1 in the final, so the places passes to sixth ... which is Lyon.

CONFIRMED

5. Nice (34, 55)

6. Lyon (34, 53)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

7. Lens (34, 51)

Relegation (2+1)

Two teams are relegated, with third-bottom facing a playoff with a team from the second division to remain in Ligue 1.

RELEGATION PLAYOFF

16. Metz (34, 29)

Metz are relegated after they lost 4-3 on aggregate to Saint-Étienne.

RELEGATED

17. Lorient (34, 29)

18. Clermont Foot (34, 25)

AJ Auxerre and Angers were automatically promoted to Ligue 1.

DEPARTING MBAPPÉ CHASES A LAST TROPHY WITH PSG IN FRENCH CUP FINAL AGAINST RESURGENT LYON

AP Photo

 PARIS (AP) — This time, it's really the end.

After missing Paris Saint-Germain’s last two league games, Kylian Mbappé should start in the French Cup final against Lyon on Saturday for his final match in a PSG shirt.

The forward, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid, was given some free time by coach Luis Enrique last weekend and was spotted enjoying himself at the Cannes film festival while PSG wrapped up a 12th victorious league campaign in less glamorous settings.

Mbappé told PSG in February he will leave at the end of the season — Saturday night — and confirmed it this month. Over the last three months, Enrique has tried to make PSG less reliant on his star striker, arguing that he needed to start thinking about the future knowing that Mbappé would not be around next season.

Although Enrique has yet to decide on his starting XI for Saturday's final at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, snubbing Mbappé, or even leaving him on the bench, would equate to a slap in his face.

Mbappé is the club’s all-time top scorer with 256 and has won six Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups with PSG. Although he didn't lead the club to a Champions League trophy in his seven seasons in Paris, he largely contributed to helping PSG reach a respected status on the continent.

Leaving him on the sidelines on the night he could cap his PSG journey with yet another title seems highly unlikely, although Enrique has warned his players he will select only those who deserve it.

“We’ll see who’s ready, who’s not ready (to play), who wants to, who doesn’t want to,” Enrique said.

Like Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé did not play against Nice and Metz in the closing league rounds but should be back to face a resurgent Lyon side led by former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

LYON MASTER OF COMEBACKS

Lyon has been in impressive form in recent months and Enrique can't afford to take the five-time Cup champion lightly.

Since Pierre Sage was appointed coach last November when Lyon was at the bottom of the league, the team has been transformed into a winning machine. After sealing European soccer next season, Lyon can cap a remarkable second half of the season with its first silverware since 2012.

One of Lyon's main assets has been its capacity to come from behind under Sage's guidance. According to French league statistics, Lyon has secured 27 points from a losing position, with only Liverpool and Girona doing better in the top five leagues. Lyon substitutes have contributed 18 goals since Sage's appointment.

EUROPE'S TOP SOCCER LEAGUES: TITLE FIGHTS, UCL, RELEGATION

Can Arsenal pip Manchester City to the Premier League crown? Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

 The 2023-24 season is drawing to a close and the battles for the major honours, relegation and promotion are starting to become clearer.

Here's a quick roundup of what has been decided, and what's still at stake, in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish LaLiga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1.

Title: Arsenal (86, 37) are one point in front of Manchester City (85 points, 36 games), but Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand -- away at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

If City win that, they can seal the title with a victory at home to West Ham on Sunday. Arsenal's final game is against Everton at the Emirates.

Champions League (4): Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool (78, 36) are confirmed for a top-four finish, leaving one place to be filled.

Aston Villa (67, 36) are all but there in fourth place with Tottenham (63, 36) having seen their form nosedive. Villa's place will be confirmed if they beat Liverpool on Monday.

Europa League (2): As it stands right now, only fifth gets a Europa League place. In the unlikely event that Tottenham finish fourth, Aston Villa can finish no lower than fifth.

Despite poor results, Spurs are in a strong position to finish fifth with a six-point lead over Newcastle United (57, 36) in sixth and Chelsea (57, 36) in seventh. Spurs still need a point because of their goal difference -- they face Man City on Tuesday then go to rock-bottom Sheffield United on the final day.

On Wednesday, Chelsea go to Brighton and Newcastle visit Man United.

Manchester United (54, 36) can now finish no higher than sixth but, because of their vastly inferior goal difference, that will definitely become seventh if they don't beat Newcastle on Wednesday.

Man United also take on Man City in the FA Cup final on May 25 (stream live on ESPN+, U.S. only). If Erik ten Hag's team lift the trophy then they will be in the Europa League (UEL). If City win the cup, then the UEL position transfers to the sixth place in the Premier League -- so it could still go to Man United that way too.

Europa Conference League (1): Pending the FA Cup final, sixth will go into the Europa Conference League. Newcastle hold it, with Chelsea and Man United close behind.

The UECL place will drop to seventh if Man City win the FA Cup or if Man United win the FA Cup and finish fifth or sixth. It would still be one of Man United, Newcastle and Chelsea -- and one of them will miss out on Europe completely.

If Man United win the FA Cup and finish seventh or eighth, the UECL place goes to sixth.

Relegation (3): An immediate return to the Championship for Sheffield United (16, 37) had already been confirmed, and they were joined by Burnley (24, 37) after they lost at Spurs on Saturday.

Luton Town (26, 37) are effectively relegated due to their vastly inferior goal difference to fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest (29, 37). On the final day, Luton would need to beat Fulham and Forest lose to Burnley with a goal difference swing of 12.

Leicester City and Ipswich Town have automatically been promoted to the Premier League. Leeds United, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City compete in the playoffs for one more place.

LaLiga - three full rounds to go, final weekend May 25-26

Title: Real Madrid (87, 35) were crowned champions last weekend.

Champions League (4): Real Madrid, Girona (75, 35) and Barcelona (73, 34) have secured their places.

Atlético Madrid (70, 35) are almost certain to take the fourth place, holding an eight-point lead over Athletic Club (62, 35).

It will be sealed on Wednesday if Atleti get a victory at Getafe, or if Athletic fail to win at Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid have sealed the LaLiga title. Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Europa League (2): Athletic won the Copa del Rey and are almost certain to finish in the top six, which means the place for the cup moves over to the league -- fifth and sixth will enter the UEL.

Either Atlético or Athletic will take one of the places, with Real Betis (55, 35) sitting in sixth. Real Sociedad (54, 34) in seventh have a game in hand, but that's away to Barcelona on Monday. Valencia (48, 35) and Villarreal (48, 35) have slim hope.

Real Sociedad also have to play both Valencia and Betis in their final three fixtures -- so it's all to play for.

Europa Conference League (1): This will go to seventh in the league, between Real Sociedad and Real Betis, while Valencia and Villarreal require a mini-miracle from here.

Relegation (3): Almería (17, 35), with two victories all season, have been relegated. Granada (21, 35) joined them on Saturday when Mallorca won at home to Las Palmas.

That leaves one relegation spot to be decided, with Cádiz (29, 35) giving themselves hope by beating Getafe on Sunday. They still have a lot to do to catch Celta Vigo (34, 35), Rayo Vallecano (35, 35) or Mallorca (35, 35).

Bundesliga - one round to go, final day May 18

Title: Bayer Leverkusen (87, 33) are still unbeaten and have already secured the first championship in their history.

Bayer Leverkusen have already lifted the trophy. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

Champions League (5): The Bundesliga has sealed an extra place through the European Performance Spot, which sends the team in fifth to the UCL too.

We already know who will fill the top five positions. Joining Leverkusen will be Bayern Munich (72, 33), VfB Stuttgart (70,33), RB Leipzig (64, 33) and Borussia Dortmund (60, 33).

Dortmund are through to the UCL final and guaranteed to finish fifth, and if they win it a UCL place will be given to sixth. Eintracht Frankfurt (46, 33) are in sixth but could be overtaken by TSG Hoffenheim (43, 33) on the final day. One of those two teams will be fully backing Dortmund against Real Madrid on June 1.

Frankfurt need a point at home to RB Leipzig to secure sixth. If they lose, then Hoffenheim can climb above them with a victory at home to Bayern. A small goal difference swing of three is also required, with Hoffenheim putting themselves unexpectedly into contention by winning 6-0 at Darmstadt on Sunday.

Europa League (2): There are a few complicating factors to the UEL places, which right now go to sixth in the league (Frankfurt) and the winners of the DFB Pokal.

The final of the DFB Pokal on May 25 (stream live on ESPN+, U.S. only) sees Leverkusen take on Kaiserslautern who, incredibly, could win the cup despite almost being relegated to the third division, as they sit four points above the 2. Bundesliga relegation zone with one game to be played. If Kaiserslautern pull off an almighty shock and do what no other team has done all season (beat Leverkusen), the league slots will be unaltered: sixth into the UEL and seventh into the UECL. If Leverkusen win the final, sixth and seventh will get a place in the UEL.

But right now only sixth place is certain of a UEL place.

If Dortmund win the UCL, Germany would surrender the place in the UEL earned by Dortmund in the league. So, Dortmund would qualify as UCL titleholders in fifth, with sixth getting the European Performance position. The only way seventh can get a UEL place is if Leverkusen win the cup.

Europa Conference League (1): At present, Hoffenheim hold the UECL position in seventh -- but that will be a UEL place if Leverkusen win the cup, with eighth into the UECL. Hoffenheim will definitely finish in the top eight, so it might just be a question of which competition they play in -- UCL, UEL or UECL.

SC Freiburg (42, 33) sit in eighth with a three-point gap to Heidenheim (39, 33), FC Augsburg (39, 33) and Werder Bremen (39, 33).

On the last day, Freiburg travel to relegation-threatened Union Berlin knowing victory, if Hoffenheim draw or lose, could see them finish seventh; a draw would guarantee they finish eighth. But if they lose, they can be overtaken as they have worse goal difference than the three teams below them.

Heidenheim are at home to Cologne, who have to win to have any chance of staying in the top flight, Augsburg travel to Leverkusen, who haven't lost to anyone all season, and Bremen host Bochum, who could still be relegated.

Relegation (2+1): Two teams are relegated, while third-bottom takes on third place in the 2. Bundesliga (Fortuna Düsseldorf) in a playoff for the right to play in the top flight.

The relegation of SV Darmstadt 98 (17, 33) has already been confirmed.

FC Cologne (27, 33) thought they were back in with a chance after a dramatic comeback for a 4-3 victory at home at Union Berlin (30, 33). Then Mainz beat Dortmund, which means the best Cologne can hope for is the relegation playoff spot ... by overtaking Union Berlin.

To go up to the playoff place, Cologne must win at Heidenheim on Saturday, hope Union lose at home to Freiburg, and there be a goal difference swing of four.

To avoid the playoff Union must win and, due to goal difference, hope Mainz (32, 32) lose at Wolfsburg or VfL Bochum (33, 33) are beaten at Bremen.

St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel have been automatically promoted into the Bundesliga.

Serie A - two full rounds to go, final day May 26

Title: Internazionale (92, 36) wrapped up the Scudetto last month as runaway champions.

Inter Milan have walked their way to the Scudetto. Getty Images

Champions League (5): Like Germany, Italy has secured an extra place in next year's competition through its clubs' performance in Europe this season, meaning at least five clubs will qualify.

Inter will definitely be joined by AC Milan (74, 36), Bologna (67, 36) and Juventus (67, 36).

So there's one place up for grabs, which is held by Atalanta (63, 35) in fifth and they have a game in hand and a three-point advantage so are in a very strong position. That extra match is against Fiorentina and both teams are in European finals; the only possible date to play the game is Sunday, June 2 -- a week after the final round of Serie A games is played. Atalanta and Fiorentina will therefore go into the "extra" game in full knowledge of the final position a result will earn.

AS Roma (60, 36) and Lazio (59, 36) are still in contention, but it's a big ask with two games remaining.

If Atalanta win the UEL this season (they face Leverkusen in the final on May 22) then Italy will have six clubs in the UCL -- the top four, Atalanta as UEL titleholders and the European Performance Spot. So, finishing will be enough for UCL football -- meaning Roma and Lazio will be cheering on Atalanta when they face Leverkusen.

Europa League (2): Atalanta face Juventus in the final of the Coppa Italia, so it's certain that sixth and seventh will qualify for the UEL.

Roma, Atalanta and Lazio are the main contenders, but there's a small amount of hope for ninth-placed Fiorentina (50, 34) with two games in hand. They are at home to Monza on Monday with a chance to reduce the gap.

If Atalanta win the UEL to qualify for the UCL and finish sixth or seventh, Italy will surrender that place in the UEL for the league.

Europa Conference League (1): Eighth place will enter the UECL, which is currently held by Napoli (51, 36) but Fiorentina are one point behind them with those two games in hand. Eighth could yet be filled by Atalanta, Lazio, Fiorentina, Torino (50, 36) or Monza (45, 35).

If Fiorentina win the UECL to qualify for the UEL and finish eighth, Italy will surrender its place in the UECL.

Relegation (3): Salernitana (15, 35) are relegated.

Sassuolo (29, 36) in second-bottom are back into contention but lost to Genoa on Sunday. Udinese (30, 35) are third bottom, with Empoli (32, 36), Frosinone (32, 36), Cagliari (33, 36) and Hellas Verona (34, 36) just above the drop zone.

Parma and Cesc Fàbregas' Como have been promoted to Serie A. Venezia. Cremonese, Catanzaro, Palermo, Sampdoria and Bresica take part in the playoffs.

Ligue 1 - one round to go, final day May 19

Title: Paris Saint-Germain (70, 32) have already secured the title.

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to do the double in France. Aurelien Meunier - PSG/PSG via Getty Images

Champions League (3+1): France gets three automatic places, with fourth place entering the UCL in the third qualifying round.

PSG and AS Monaco (64, 33) have already booked two of the slots.

There's a fierce battle for the two guaranteed place between Lille (58, 33), Brest (58, 33) and Nice (54, 32) -- though Nice's game in hand is at home to PSG on Wednesday.

Lille hold third place as their goal difference is just two better than Brest's.

On the final day, Lille are at home to Nice -- so it could still be a straight shootout -- while Brest go to Toulouse.

Europa League (2): Nice sit in fifth, right now a UEL place, and they cannot finish lower than this.

PSG take on Lyon in the final of the Coupe de France on May 25, and a victory for Les Parisiens will send sixth place into the UEL too.

Lens (50, 33) have sixth right now, but are being tracked by Lyon (50, 33), who have a much worse goal difference, and Marseille (47, 32), who play their game in hand away to Stade de Reims on Wednesday. If Marseille win that, they move above Lens.

On the final day Lens host Montpellier, Lyon are at home to Strasbourg and Marseille go to Le Havre.

Europa Conference League (1): This will depend on who wins the Coupe de France. If it's Lyon, and they finish seventh or lower, then sixth will still be the UECL place.

If PSG win the cup, or Lyon do so and finish sixth, then seventh gets the UECL place. Lens, Lyon and Marseille are the only clubs who can finish in this position.

Relegation (2+1): Two teams are relegated, with third-bottom facing a playoff with a team from the second division to remain in Ligue 1.

Clermont Foot (25, 33) were relegated when they lost at home to Lyon on Sunday.

The second automatic relegation place is between Lorient (26, 33) and Metz (29, 33). But it's looking bleak for Lorient, who must win at home to Clermont Foot while Metz lose at home to PSG and there needs to be a goal difference swing of eight.

Which leaves Metz probably facing the relegation playoff. To avoid it they must beat PSG, with Le Havre AC (32, 33) losing to Marseille and a goal difference swing of 12.

AJ Auxerre have been promoted to Ligue 1.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

FOOTBALL: PSG WIN 12TH LIGUE TITLE AFTER MONACO DEFEAT

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappé (L) fights for the ball with Le Havre's Ivorian French defender Christopher Opéri during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Le Havre AC at the Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris on April 27, 2024. FRANCK FIFE / AFP

 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has won the French league in Kylian Mbappé's last season at the club after Monaco lost 3-2 at Lyon on Sunday, April 28. PSG has an unassailable 12-point lead over second-place Monaco, which has three games left. The Ligue 1 triumph is PSG's third in a row and a record-extending 12th overall. Mbappé has been involved in six of them, but comes off contract at the end of the season. He's expected to be signed by Real Madrid.

PSG is on course for a potential historic treble as it will play at Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday and face Lyon in the French Cup final on May 25. In coach Luis Enrique's first season at the club, PSG produced one of the most dominant seasons in league history with just one loss in 31 games so far.

PSG could have clinched the title on Saturday with a win at home to struggling Le Havre, but in the end they needed a 95th-minute equalizer to snatch a 3-3 draw. However, after that game, coach Luis Enrique insisted his side had won the league "without any doubt," as they were 12 points clear with only 12 points left to play for and also boasted a far superior goal difference to that of Monaco.

The principality club's loss in Lyon nevertheless makes PSG's coronation official and sets them up for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg away to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Monaco had taken the lead inside the opening minute in Lyon thanks to a Wissam Ben Yedder goal, but Alexandre Lacazette equalized for the hosts and Said Benrahma put them ahead before the half-hour mark. Ben Yedder struck again to bring it back to 2-2, only for substitute Malick Fofana to net a late winner for Lyon, who are still hoping to qualify for Europe.

PSG have won 10 of their 12 titles in the last 12 seasons, a record that goes to show how the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011 has utterly transformed them and the face of French football as a whole. They are on course for a clean sweep of trophies this season, with the French Cup final against Lyon to come on May 25 and the French Champions Trophy already in the bag. Luis Enrique's side are also hoping to see off Dortmund and win through to the final of the Champions League on June 1.

Brest wins nine-goal thriller

Elsewhere, Brest took another big step toward qualifying for the Champions League for the first time by scoring deep in injury time to beat Rennes 5-4 in an incredible game. Former Rennes defender Lilian Brassier popped up with the decisive goal six minutes into stoppage time to decide the Brittany derby in Brest's favor. They had been 2-0 down inside nine minutes after Arnaud Kalimuendo netted twice for the home side at Roazhon Park, but quickly pulled one back through Steve Mounie and then equalized just after the break via a goal by Warmed Omari.

Uruguayan striker Martin Satriano put Brest in front, and Mahdi Camara made it 4-2, seemingly wrapping up the points. However, Arthur Theate and Martin Terrier both scored to bring Rennes back level again, apparently securing them a precious point in the fight for European qualification before Brassier struck. It is a huge three points for Brest after they lost their previous two matches, and the win ensures they end the weekend in third place, two points behind Monaco and a point clear of Lille, which won 2-1 at Metz.

The top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify automatically for next season's expanded Champions League, with the team in fourth entering the competition in the preliminary rounds. Ismaily and Yusuf Yazici scored Lille's goals as they came from behind to take all three points after Georgian international Georges Mikautadze put Metz ahead from the penalty spot.

Nice strengthened their grip on fifth spot by winning 3-1 at Patrick Vieira's Strasbourg. The Côte d'Azur club remains four points behind Lille, meaning Champions League qualification looks to be beyond them. Lorient remains in the automatic relegation spots and three points from safety after a 2-1 home loss to Toulouse. Clermont is still bottom but is now only four points from safety with three games left after beating Reims 4-1 with Austrian international Muhammed Cham netting two penalties and Elbasan Rashani also scoring twice.

PSG BOSS LUIS ENRIQUE DENIES MBAPPÉ ROW AFTER LATEST SUB

Kylian Mbappé has been repeatedly benched since his decision to leave PSG became public. Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

 Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has branded reports that Kylian Mbappé insulted him after the France forward was substituted in Sunday's league win at Marseille as "a lie."

Mbappé looked serious as he walked off the pitch after being replaced in the 65th minute of his team's 2-0 triumph in Le Classique and appeared to utter some words which some on social media interpreted as insults.

"The curious thing is that everything that is generated from a lie is what happens in the world of football," Luis Enrique said when asked about Mbappé's reaction to being substituted. "One has invented an insult and speculations of all kinds have arisen."

Mbappé has played only one full game in PSG's last seven Ligue 1 matches, with Luis Enrique repeatedly benching his star player since his decision to leave the club went public in February.

Sources have told ESPN that he is expected to join Real Madrid this summer once his contract with PSG expires, with talks still ongoing.

Mbappé posted a photograph on Instagram of himself walking off the pitch against Marseille with his head down while holding the captain's armband in his right hand.

There was no message on the Instagram post.

Luis Enrique, who believes Mbappé "could change his mind" and remain at PSG next season, said he is pleased with the player's "attitude."

"After the games it is a complicated moment, I feel very tired," Luis Enrique said. "But I am very happy with all the players, including Kylian. He has a sensational attitude."

- Adriana Garcia