KYLIAN MBAPPÉ OUT FOR TWO WEEKS OR MORE WITH KNEE INJURY

France star sidelined with knee hyperextension but expected back for El Clasico

France's Kylian Mbappe (C) reacts after picking up an injury following his team's first goal, next to France's head coach Zinedine Zidane during the UEFA Nations League (League A, Group 1) first leg football match between Turkey and France at the Kocaeli Stadium in Izmit, on September 25, 2026.
AFP

Paris: France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a hyperextension of his left knee playing for France, his club Real Madrid said Saturday but could be ready to play again when La Liga resumes.

"Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid's medical department on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee," the Spanish club said in a statement.

New France coach Zinedine Zidane said France were "not going to take any risks" and that he would not use Mbappe in the three Nations League matches scheduled over the next 10 days.

France travel to Belgium on Monday before hosting Italy and Belgium at the Stade de France on October 2 and 5.

Real Madrid's first game after the international break, with Villarreal on October 10, might be too soon for an Mbappe return but Spanish daily AS reported Saturday he would ceratinly be ready for the Classico with Barcelona October 25.

- AFP

ZIDANE APPOINYED FRANCE HEAD COACH AFTER 2026 WORLD CUP

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France men’s national football team, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old takes over from Didier Deschamps, who stepped down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup after leading France for 14 years.

Zidane’s appointment comes after France’s disappointing campaign at the tournament in North America. Widely regarded as one of the favourites, Les Bleus were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals before losing to England in the third-place playoff.

The former France captain returns to coaching for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he enjoyed one of the most successful managerial spells in modern football.

“I have often said there is nothing greater than the French national team. It is therefore a joy and obviously a great honor to become the coach of France. It is also a responsibility,” Zidane said in a statement released by the FFF.

“I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee and the French Football Federation for their trust and salute the fourteen years of Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my teachers. Needless to say, I have a lot of ambition for the French team.”

As a player, Zidane is regarded as one of France’s greatest footballers. He inspired the country to its first FIFA World Cup title in 1998, scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final, before helping France win the UEFA European Championship in 2000.

His international playing career ended in dramatic fashion when he was sent off during the 2006 World Cup final against Italy following his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi.

Zidane now aims to emulate Deschamps by winning the World Cup as both a player and a coach.

Speaking at his unveiling, Zidane said coaching the French national team had always been his ambition.

“It’s a continuation for me, a dream come true. Over the last four or five years, I’ve received offers to lead a club and I rejected them all for the France national team. It’s the only thing I’ve wanted to do,” he said.

Zidane brings an outstanding club coaching record to the role. During two spells in charge of Real Madrid, he guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga championships and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies.

His immediate challenge will be preparing France for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with a squad featuring attacking stars including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.

“We’ll be doing things differently. Deschamps is Deschamps, Zidane is Zidane. I will do what I know how to do,” he said. “I guarantee continuity so that the French national team keeps winning.”

- Ariana News

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Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The future of Zinedine Zidane will be one of the key monitorables in 2026. The Frenchman, despite being regarded as one of the sought-after managers in world football, has remained a free agent since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.

It is widely believed that Zidane had been waiting to take over the reins from Didier Deschamps to become the coach of the French national team – his dream job.

After a wait of five years, Zidane’s dream could turn into a reality, with Deschamps expected to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

France football makes a move

However, Zidane has also been a subject of interest for Real Madrid, who are desperately looking for a new coach after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.

Although the club have hired Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, it is no secret that president Florentino Perez has identified Zidane as his dream option.

Zidane could soon be headed for the French national team job. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for EA SPORTS FC™ 25)

Keeping that in mind, France football appears to have made the first move to try and secure the services of Zidane, according to L’Equipe.

The French news outlet quotes Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who confirmed that finding a successor for Deschamps is the utmost priority.

The report adds that French football has already started the onboarding process of Zidane, notably by discussing his future staff with the French national team.

This will come as a blow to Real Madrid, who were keen on having Zidane lead the new era at Los Blancos.

But after waiting for five years, it is unlikely Zidane will entertain the offer from Real Madrid and looks likely to replace Deschamps after the World Cup.

- Anas Ali

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ZINEDINE ZIDANE | UNDER THE TONGUE DOCUMENTARY | 2024

Zinedine Zidane (Under The Tongue documentary, 2024): "My story with the Adidas Predator is special." I was at the Juve in 96 and I was at a bar next to my house and I had an appointment to meet Mr. Dreyfus who wanted to show me the brand and the boots. When I tried them, I saw that they were light and I really liked the Lazada system. Can you imagine the day you put on your first workout... It was an honor for me, because we only had 10 players and I could feel that some players were jealous, especially when they sent me the boots, because at first you had to be chosen by Adidas to wear them. The colors White, Orange, and Red... I liked them a lot. And the tongue taught you class. Sportfully, I felt lucky, I won a lot of things with them and I always identified myself playing in those boots. The Champions League was the only title he had not won, had lost two finals and it was the time, with the Madrid shirt, had come for that. It was the perfect time to achieve it. Roberto Carlos ran and put the ball in the sky and when I hit him I knew he wasn't going to go far from the goal... "Really, I think the boots helped me score that goal." 

#maxsports #zinedinezidane #Zidane #Adidas #adidaspredator

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ADIDAS UNVEIL ARSENAL AND MANCHESTER UNITED THIRD KITS IN EPIC FASHION USING CLUB LEGENDS PATRICK VIEIRA AND RIO FERDINAND

The third kits of Arsenal, United, Real, Juventus and Bayern have been unveiledCredit: X @adidasfootball

Adidas have won the summer award for the best kit announcement after unveiling the third strips of five European giants.

The new designs of Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich were confirmed on Sunday in an epic social media post.

Five football legends have used in a brilliant picture, which has sent social media into meltdown.

Each club have since shared their new strip, where they confirmed fans can get their hands on it from August 12.

Patrick Vieira modelled the Gunners' blue kit, which had been leaked in May, where it was well received by Gooners.

Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand wore United's slick white jersey, which boasts red and black stripes across the middle.

Supporters of the Red Devils though are all too familiar with the bold style after MUTV accidentally showcased the design last month,

As for Madrid, they were represented by Zinedine Zidane, with Alessandro Del Piero and Bastian Schweinsteiger wearing the new Juventus and Bayern kits respectively.

And just as talkSPORT reported in October 2023, all five of the shirts boast the iconic Adidas trefoil logo.

Ferdinand was quick to reply to the social media post, where he and his four fellow icons could be seen enjoying a laugh by a swimming pool.

He wrote on X: "5 aside team don’t get beat… Rush goalie vibes for me!"

Adidas' announcement has also gone down a storm with fans, as one user messaged: "Excellent way to announce the third kit."

MUTV accidentally leaked their third kit in JulyCredit: MUTV

Another commented: "So many legends in one picture."

A third added: "That's a great way to launch the third kits."

This fan then remarked: "This advert is insanely iconic."

One then posted: "This is one of the coldest jersey reveals ever! Fair play, Adidas."

Meanwhile another simply stated: "Goosebumps seeing this."

- Jake Lambourne

ZINEDINE ZINEDINE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO

RALF RANGNICK REJECTS BAYERN MÜNCHEN AS FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED BOSS LEAVES GERMAN GIANTS IN LIMBO

Bayern chief Max Eberl outlines plan to announce new coach as the Austria manager releases a statement

 

Leading the way in conservation and community empowerment

The favourite to take over as Bayern Munich’s next manager, Ralf Rangnick, has turned down the German giants.

Former Manchester United boss Rangnick has committed his future to the Austria national team despite being said to have held lengthy talks to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Allianz Arena.

According to Bild, the 65-year-old’s decision leaves Bayern in limbo over who will step into their dugout next season.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and ex-Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane are among the bookmakers’ alternative frontrunners alongside Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and a potential return for Hansi Flick.

Rangnick released a statement on Thursday morning to explain his decision.

“I'm the Austrian team coach with all my heart,” he said. “I really enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path.

“I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the Euros. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible.”

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl clarified this week that no announcement is imminent over the appointment.

“No announcement for next season can take place before the return match against Real Madrid,” he stated.

JUDE BELLINGHAM ON ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Jude Bellingham: “Zidane was the player I wanted to be. I was lucky enough to meet him during the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool (1-0, in 2022). ⚪️

I was like a child, with wide eyes, He is so humble for someone who has accomplished so much.”

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