+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles | What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan news

FBL-WC-2026-EUR-QUALIFIERS-FRA-ISL

Deschamps explains reasoning behind Mbappe France release

France boss Didier Deschamps has doubled down on his decision to allow Kylian Mbappe to leave the squad early, saying there was no need to take any “risks” with the forward’s fitness after he fired his country to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid star pulled out of his side’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in Thursday’s win over Ukraine.

France v Ukraine - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Mbappe told he is causing issues with France 'special treatment'

Former France international Jerome Rothen has claimed Kylian Mbappe receives “special treatment” which will “cause problems” with his team-mates should they hit a poor run of form. The Real Madrid forward withdrew from Les Blues’ squad ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan after picking up an ankle injury in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.

France ratings 2025

Mbappe stars in routine France win but late injury causes concern

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Lorenzo Insigne Italy

Insigne out of Italy squad

The Naples-born winger will miss the two upcoming European Championships qualifiers after picking up a leg injury whilst playing for his club side on…

Frequently asked questions

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Middlesbrough were formed in 1876 by members of the Middlesbrough Cricket Club at the Albert Park Hotel.

British entrepreneur Steve Gibson is the owner as well as chairman of Middlesbrough, acquiring the reins in 1994.

Middlesbrough play their games at the Riverside Stadium, which replaced Ayresome Park in 1995 as the club's main home venue.

Riverside Stadium's capacity stands at 34,742 and has been the home of Middlesbrough since 1995. From 1879 to 1903, the club played their games at Linthorpe Road, before moving to Ayresome Park in 1903. Middlesbrough played at this venue for 92 years till 1995.

Middlesbrough have won just one honour throughout their history, the League Cup title in the 2003-04 season.

Middlesbrough have not won a single English top flight title yet.

Former English goalkeeper Tim Williamson holds the record of making the most appearances for Middlesbrough, playing 602 games between 1902 and 1923.

George Camsell, a ruthless striker for Middlesbrough between 1925 and 1939, scored a club-record 325 goals in 419 games, which also includes 59 goals in 37 league games in the 1926-27 season.

Brian Clough, Gareth Southgate, Adama Traore, Marcus Tavernier, Alvaro Negredo, Victor Valdes, and Shay Given are some of Middlesbrough's most famous players ever.

Terry Venables, Michael Carrick, and Gareth Southgate are some of the most famous managers to have managed Middlesbrough.

Boro, the shortened version of the club name, is Middlesbrough's nickname. They have also been called The Teessiders and The Smoggies.