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Kylain Mbappe backing Morocco to win AFCON

Kylian Mbappe is backing Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco to go the distance in front of their fans at the prestigious competition, according to national team captain Achraf Hakimi. Real Madrid star Mbappe was in attendance for Morocco's 1-1 group stage draw with Mali with the hosts tipped by many to win AFCON for the first time since their initial success in 1976.

K. MbappeMorocco
AFCON contenders GFX

Who will win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling slap-bang in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.

AnalysisAfrica Cup of Nations

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Frequently asked questions

The origins of Newcastle United can be traced all the way back to 1881, when Stanley Cricket Club of Byker took interest in the formation of a football club. Over the years, several name changes and mergers took place. Finally, on December 9, 1892, the name Newcastle United Football Club was decided upon. Other name suggestions included Newcastle F.C, Newcastle Rangers, Newcastle City, and City of Newcastle.

Newcastle United is co-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), who hold an 85% stake, and the UK-based RB Sports & Media, who hold the remaining 15% stake. The takeover was completed in 2021.

Newcastle United play their home games at the iconic St. James' Park, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. St. James' Park has been the club's go-to home venue since 1892.

St. James' Park has a seating capacity of about 52,000, with Newcastle United currently planning an overhaul which will see the capacity rise to 65,000.

Newcastle United have won 11 titles, including four top flight titles and six FA Cups.

Newcastle United have won four first division titles in their history, with the most recent win coming almost a century ago, all the way back in 1926-27.

Jimmy Lawrence has made the most appearances ever for Newcastle United, donning the jersey on 496 appearances to hold off fellow goalkeeper Shay Given among others.

Newcastle United will forever revere perhaps their most iconic player ever, the legendary Alan Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals in a little over 400 appearances.

Shola Amoebi, Andy Cole, Shay Given, Bobby Mitchell, Alan Shearer, Hatem Ben Arfa, Andy Carroll, James Milner, Kevin Keegan, Paul Gasciogne, and Malcolm Macdonald are some of the most acclaimed footballers to have played for Newcastle United.

Joe Harvey, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Steve Bruce, Rafael Benitez, and Ruud Gullit are some of the most famous managers to have been in charge of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are nicknamed The Magpies, because the black and white colour scheme on their jerseys is reminiscent of the actual magpie bird.

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