Latest news, features & gossip from the National

Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - LaLiga EA Sports

Mbappe's Caen appoint former Arsenal and Man City star as boss

Kylian Mbappe’s ownership era at Caen has taken a bold new turn after the French club appointed former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy as head coach. The 40-year-old steps into his first senior managerial role amid supporter unrest, with the club banking on his elite pedigree to spark a revival as they struggle in the third tier of French football.

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Mbappe 'mistake' highlighted as diss-track row continues

Kylian Mbappe has been told he has made a “massive mistake” which will “tarnish his image” after the Real Madrid superstar hit back at a new song criticising his controversial ownership of French side Caen. The 26-year-old forward took aim at French rapper Orelsan over social media on Friday after being made the subject of his fiery ‘diss track’.

Mbappe fires back at 'broke' rapper after diss track

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at French rapper Orelsan after being mocked in a new track over the Real Madrid star’s ownership of Caen. The French club now sit in the third tier of French football after facing relegation under Mbappe's ownership. The striker issued a fiery reply on social media, accusing the rapper of "begging" for a free stake in the club.

Major revelations about Mbappe and his management of Caen

Caen's recruitment manager has opened up on Kylian Mbappe's ownership role at the French club, following their recent relegation from Ligue 2.

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Carroll earning less than minimum wage for French side Bordeaux

Andy Carroll's salary at Bordeaux has been revealed, and the former Liverpool man is earning lower than minimum wage with the fallen French giants.

'Costing me money!' - Liverpool flop makes surprise admission

Former Liverpool and West Ham man Andy Carroll has opened up on life after joining Bordeaux in the fourth-tier of French football.

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most Conference League titles?

Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.

How many teams are in the Conference League?

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.

Who has made the most Conference League appearances ever?

Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the Conference League?

As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Who has the most assists in the history of the Conference League?

Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.

Who is the oldest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?

Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.

Who is the youngest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?

Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.

Which famous players have played in the Conference League?

Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.

Which famous managers have managed in the Conference League?

Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.

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