Kylian Mbappe has brushed aside comparisons with football's biggest stars, insisting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's standout players. The France captain also played down talk of individual milestones, including his pursuit of the World Cup's all-time scoring record, as he focused on helping Les Bleus progress in the tournament.
France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.
France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.
Michael Olise has established himself as one of the best wingers in world football for Bayern Munich and France, but the talented attacker has surprisingly revealed that playing out wide is not his preferred role. The 24-year-old, who is currently starring at the 2026 World Cup, explained that he feels most comfortable and natural operating centrally as a traditional number 10.
William Saliba has admitted that he has already put Arsenal’s Champions League final heartbreak behind him as he shifts his focus to international glory. The Frenchman was a key figure for the Gunners during their run to the showpiece event in Budapest, only to suffer a painful defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
France star Michael Olise has responded to glowing praise from captain Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus are currently competing in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, earning a lofty reputation among his senior teammates.
Didier Deschamps is reportedly ready to make three personnel alterations to his starting line-up for France's upcoming World Cup group game. The manager looks set to hand Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola a start, his first at a World Cup, to inject energy into the attack, with Desire Doue having struggled in the first half against Senegal.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his immense pride after breaking Olivier Giroud's record to become the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national team. Following his crucial brace against Senegal in their opening 2026 World Cup match, the prolific forward is now setting his sights on breaking the all-time tournament record currently held by Lionel Messi.
Michael Olise has been hailed as a "future Ballon d'Or winner" following his match-winning performance for France against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger's creative masterclass has sparked comparisons to some of the greatest names to ever wear the blue shirt.
Thierry Henry has claimed that Michael Olise has overtaken Kylian Mbappe as France's "most important player" following their impressive World Cup victory over Senegal. While Mbappe made history by becoming the nation's all-time leading goalscorer during the 3-1 win, it was the Bayern Munich star who caught the eye of the legendary striker.
France may have secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal to kickstart their World Cup campaign, but Adrien Rabiot was left far from impressed with the playing conditions in North America. The experienced midfielder has hit out at the state of the pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium, claiming the surface made for a difficult and laboured opening fixture.
Kylian Mbappe has hit back at his detractors after a record-breaking night for France, insisting he is not motivated by a desire for "revenge" against those who have questioned his form. The Real Madrid superstar delivered a masterclass in Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Senegal, scoring twice to officially become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.
They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.
France international Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his newfound freedom since joining Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the forward revealed how leaving his homeland has surprisingly allowed him to enjoy a more normal life, despite facing two difficult years on the pitch while his former club dominated Europe.
William Saliba has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Arsenal and France defence, but the 25-year-old remains grounded regarding his celebrity status. Despite being considered one of the Premier League's elite performers, the centre-back is quick to differentiate his role from the attacking flair and global superstardom of his international colleagues.
Paul Pogba could not hide his excitement after meeting his football idol, Zinedine Zidane. The French midfielder's emotional reaction quickly went viral as the former France and Real Madrid icon signed a jersey for him. Marcelo, Kaka and Rodrygo were also present, sharing a memorable moment with one of football's most revered figures.
Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the player's representatives. The 25-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as a primary summer target for the Gunners as they look to exploit Roma's pressing financial situation.
Didier Deschamps has downplayed France's status as the leading contenders for the World Cup crown, instead pointing towards a European rival as the team to beat. Speaking ahead of Les Bleus' opening fixture against Senegal, the veteran coach insisted that while his side harbours domestic ambitions, they do not currently hold the mantle of the world's strongest team.
Kylian Mbappe has issued a rallying cry to his France team-mates by admitting he must evolve his own game to ensure World Cup glory. The Les Bleus captain acknowledges that his defensive contributions have often been a point of contention and is determined to silence the critics in North America.
Four years ago in Qatar, Lionel Messi ended the GOAT debate by leading Argentina to victory over France in the World Cup final. There was a player on the other team, though, who actually appeared to have sufficient talent to potentially reopen it one day. After all, Kylian Mbappe had actually pipped Messi to the tournament's Golden Boot by outscoring the Argentine No.10 in that epic encounter in Lusail thanks to the first hat-trick in a World Cup final since Sir Geoff Hurst all the way back in 1966.
Kylian Mbappe is learning how to share the limelight, Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning Frenchman boasting similar main character energy to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Those qualities are currently illuminating La Liga and the 2026 World Cup, but could they pass through the English Premier League at some point?
From enchiladas to coxinha, discover the fan-favorite foods of Groups G, H and I and where to find them across New York City during the 2026 World Cup.
Germany legend Miroslav Klose expects his iconic World Cup goal-scoring record to be shattered during the current tournament cycle in North America. The former striker feels the expanded tournament format provides the perfect platform for elite forwards to surpass his historic tally, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the chase.
Rayan Cherki has been earning plenty of plaudits at Manchester City, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the mercurial playmaker deserves to be compared with Zinedine Zidane - the GOAT of French football. That is some billing, but two magical midfielders are considered to share a number of traits - including on-field skill sets and off-pitch ticket-selling qualities.
Michael Olise is considered to be “simply the best” right winger in world football at the moment, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the Bayern Munich star can currently be ranked above Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. A French World Cup winner from 1998 is hoping to see a talismanic performer in the present inspire Les Bleus to global glory in 2026.
Paul Pogba insists his long-term ambition remains a return to the France national team despite an injury-hit spell at Monaco. The midfielder has managed only limited minutes since restarting his career in Ligue 1, but says regaining full fitness and reaching the highest level again remains his immediate priority.
France
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