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Henry exclusive: Mbappe destroyed for his high standards

Thierry Henry has leapt to the defence of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, insisting his fellow Frenchman has been unfairly criticised in his career due to the high standards expected of him. Mbappe rose to stardom with AS Monaco before securing a nine-figure move to Paris Saint-Germain and winning the World Cup with France as a key starter while still a teenager. To date, Mbappe has scored 365 times in 460 club appearances, while he has also grabbed 55 goals in 94 caps for France, second to only Olivier Giroud in Les Bleus' all-time leading scorers list. Despite these many accolades, Mbappe has never won the Champions League as a player, and despite being tipped to take home many Ballon d'Or awards in an era after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly, he has yet to claim a Golden Ball for himself.

Valverde & the 20 players in L'Equipe's exclusive 10/10 club

Within a Real Madrid squad that is packed full of Galacticos, Fede Valverde is rarely singled out for what he offers to Los Blancos despite his obvious importance to the team. On Wednesday, though, he was able to hog the limelight after his stunning first-half hat-trick saw off Manchester City in the Champions League. His performance also earned him the rarest of plaudits: A 10/10 rating from L'Equipe.

Fabregas tips Como's 'animal' for France call-up

Cesc Fabregas is convinced that Como goalkeeper Jean Butez is ready to make his France debut following a series of impressive performances. Following a gritty 2-1 victory away at Cagliari, the Spanish tactician heaped praise on his shot-stopper, describing his work ethic in remarkable terms as the Lariani continued their unlikely charge towards a potential Champions League spot.

Kylian Mbappe Ester Exposito GFX Real Madrid

Mbappe 'spotted' cosying up to Spanish actress Exposito in Paris

Kylian Mbappe has sparked fresh romance rumours after reportedly being spotted in Paris with Spanish actress Ester Exposito. The Real Madrid forward, currently sidelined with a knee injury, appears to be making the most of his rehabilitation period in the French capital.

Has Mbappe eclipsed Henry? ‘Generation’ argument explained

Kylian Mbappe is a World Cup-winning global superstar in his own right, but can the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ be considered to have eclipsed the legend of fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry? Jeremie Aliadiere - a former Arsenal team-mate of another ‘Invincible’ in north London - has explained why all-time lists will always be influenced by generational favouritism.

How Mbappe's deep connection with Paris inspired new boots

Kylian Mbappe might have a strained relationship with Paris Saint-Germain as a result of his bitter exit from Parc des Princes in 2024, but the French capital - and especially the Bondy neighbourhood - will always hold a place close to his heart. Dropping his latest signature boots, Nike have recognised that deep connection between Mbappe and the streets he grew up on.

Who will make France's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about France's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bold predictions for WC: Neymar in? Messi tops goals record?

GOAL takes a look at the wild storylines that could take centerstage this summer, headlined by predictions involving the sport's biggest stars

Kylian Mbappe Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Mbappe's 'longevity' to match Ronaldo & Messi questioned

Kylian Mbappe has seen his “longevity” questioned, with doubts cast over whether the Real Madrid and France superstar can emulate certain achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Jeremie Aliadiere is a big fan of his fellow countryman, but has told GOAL why chasing down the target of 100 international goals may prove difficult for the most fearsome of forwards.

Ousmane Dembele Leah Williamson Aitana Bonmati split

Lionesses & Williamson among nominees for 2026 Laureus awards

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is one of four footballers to be nominated for accolades at the prestigious 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, with her England team also shortlisted after winning the 2025 European Championships. Lamine Yamal was the only footballer to win an award at last year's ceremony, with Real Madrid also scooping up a team prize, but the chances of more recognition are greater this year, with significantly more nominees from the world of football.

LEGACY: How France learned resilience at the World Cup

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series to mark the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we revisit one of international football’s most dramatic sagas: the rise, fall, and rebirth of Les Bleus. From Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in Berlin to Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick in Doha, France’s World Cup journey between 2006 and 2022 is a tale of collapse and resurrection; the story of a nation that turned shame into strength, and forged an identity where resilience became its greatest art.

Mbappe left ‘confused’ after hitting unwanted career high

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been left "confused" after hitting an unwanted career high at the club. The French forward is enjoying an impressive campaign to date having struck 23 times across 23 league outings for the Spanish giants. However, Mbappe has seen his playing time restricted owing to a series of ongoing injury issues.

FC Barcelona v Manchester City FC - UEFA Champions League

Ex-Barca star explains working in sports shop amid mental health battle

Former Barcelona and Valencia defender Jeremy Mathieu has opened up about the difficult reality of his life after football, revealing that a combination of depression and ongoing legal battles led him to take a job at a local sports shop. The sight of a Champions League winner serving customers created a stir online, but Mathieu has now clarified that the move was a necessary step for his own wellbeing and personal circumstances.

Orlando City reportedly in talks to sign Antoine Griezmann

Orlando City are reportedly in talks to sign Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Antoine Griezmann, according to The Athletic. The former France captain has a long-standing interest in Major League Soccer, and the Florida club is eager to sign the former France captain before the primary transfer window shuts on March 26. Griezmann has six goals in La Liga this season.

Palace make Mateta surgery decision after Milan transfer collapse

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not undergo surgery on a niggling knee problem after all, despite the injury scuppering his January transfer to AC Milan. The Frenchman seemed on course to join the Italian giants in a £30 million ($41m) deadline day move, but the deal was called off after the issue with his knee was flagged in his medical examinations.

Real Madrid CF v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports

Mbappe labelled 'true captain' as Deschamps fires back at critics

Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the Real Madrid superstar will never run "11 kilometres per match" but remains a "true captain" for his country. The France boss hit back at ongoing criticism of the forward’s work rate, claiming his explosive profile requires a different tactical approach to get the best out of him for Les Bleus.

Betting spotlight

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Predictions: City seal first-leg lead

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'Doesn't have to run!' - Pogba tipped to make France squad

Paul Pogba is being sensationally tipped to make France’s 2026 World Cup squad, with Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the mercurial midfielder remains in contention for selection by Didier Deschamps. Pogba is now on the books at Monaco, but remains short on match sharpness after serving an 18-month doping ban. He has 91 international caps to his name.

Inside Pogba's failure to relaunch his career at Monaco

Paul Pogba could line up against his former club Juventus on Wednesday night for the first time since parting ways with the Italian giants under the cloud of a doping ban in 2024. If he's fit, that is, with his highly-anticipated comeback at Monaco - after more than two years out of competitive action - being hampered by niggling injuries. As his former employers come to town, Pogba finds himself at another crossroads.

Mbappe WILL win 2026 Ballon d'Or! Huge claim from ex-France star

Kylian Mbappe is being backed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with former France international Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the Real Madrid superstar is destined to land a prestigious Golden Ball at some stage. He is considered to be the leading contender to claim that prize in a World Cup year, as he prepares to chase down a second global title with Les Bleus.

ICONS: Zidane - the troubled rise of a football genius

From humiliation to redemption, from doubt to eternal glory - this is the story of how Zinedine Zidane rose from the shadows to lead France to their greatest triumph. At the 1998 World Cup, the shy playmaker from Marseille became the face of a new nation, turning pain into pride and silence into legend. This is ICONS - a GOAL podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups from unique perspectives, bringing the spirit of the tournament back to life...

Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

PSG star facing accusations of 'human trafficking'

Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez has been accused of human trafficking and illegal employment in a complaint filed against the player and his wife at a court in Versailles. The complaint comes from a Colombian family who worked for Hernandez and an investigation has now been launched. Hernandez joined PSG in 2023 after spells with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid and was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad.

Hall of Fame: How Platini became 'The King'

Michel Platini is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Playmaker, assister, goal-scorer: Platini was a complete player, capable of leaving an indelible mark on world football between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. He was the perfect No.10, embodying the true essence of the shirt number both then and now.

World Cup 2026 Power Rankings January GFX

World Cup Power Rankings: AFCON champs Senegal surge

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the November international break, as 14 more countries booked their seat at next summer's festival of football in North America.

Dembele scores insane lob to finish off stunning PSG goal

Ousmane Dembele put himself in contention for the Puskas Award after scoring an incredible lob in Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-0 victory over Lille on Friday evening. The Ballon d’Or winner, who had already found the net in the first half, doubled his side’s lead in outrageous fashion as the Parisians leapfrogged title rivals Lens and moved to the top of Ligue 1.

LEGACY: France '98 - The birth of a legend

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we look back at France '98; from the heartbreaks of Seville and Bulgaria to the night Zinedine Zidane lifted the trophy in Paris, this is the story of how France broke its curse and forged a winning identity that still defines Les Bleus today.

Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - LaLiga EA Sports

Alonso offers update on Mbappe ahead of Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed the club still don’t know when Kylian Mbappe will return after the France superstar was diagnosed with an injury to his left knee. Mbappe picked up a knock in training and is expected to miss forthcoming crunch clashes with Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, and Alonso isn’t able to put an exact date on when he’ll be back in the side.

Frequently asked questions

: The story behind the birth of Liverpool as we know it today is quite interesting. Originally, it was Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton who would play their games at Anfield. However, after Everton decided to play their games elsewhere following a dispute in March 1892, John Houlding, the owner of Anfield at the time, decided to form his own club called Liverpool F.C.
: Fenway Sports Group (FSG), an American multinational sports holding conglomerate, is the owner of Liverpool. FSG purchased the club in 2010 through subsidiaries N.E.S.V.I, LLC and the UK-based UKSV Holdings Company Limited.
: Liverpool are playing their home games at the illustrious Anfield Stadium, which was built in 1884 and has since undergone several renovations, the latest being completed in 2024.
: Anfield has a capacity of 61,276, with the renovation of the Anfield Road Stand in the latter half of the 2023-24 campaign taking the stadium's capacity past the 60,000-mark.
: Liverpool have won a stellar 67 trophies throughout their history, which includes six Champions Leagues, 19 top-flight titles, and six FA Cups.
: Liverpool are the second-most successful English side in terms of top flight titles with 19, just one shy of Manchester United. Their previous league glory came in the 2019-20 season, which remains their only league title till date in the Premier League era.
: Former English midfielder Ian Callaghan made 857 appearances for the Reds. He is the only player in Liverpool history to have made over 800 appearances for the club.
: Liverpool icon Ian Rush is the club's all-time top goalscorer, finding the back of the net 346 times in 660 games.
: Luis Suarez, Ian Rush, Mohamed Salah, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, James Milner, Fernando Torres, and Michael Owen are among the most popular players to have donned the Liverpool jersey.
: Brendan Rodgers, Bill Shankly, Jurgen Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, Rafael Benitez, and Gerard Houllier are some of the most prominent managers to have been at the helm for Liverpool.
: Liverpool are famously known as The Reds. The media as well as the club's supporters coined the term during the 1965-66 season, when the team first wore an all-red attire for the games.

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