Kylian Mbappe has issued a formal apology after a controversial joke regarding former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a major diplomatic and commercial backlash. The Real Madrid forward saw lucrative sponsorship deals terminated and La Liga face a total broadcasting blackout in the region following his ill-judged remarks.
Could Thierry Henry return to management at some stage, or take on a coaching role at Arsenal? Gilles Grimandi has explained to GOAL why his fellow Frenchman and former Gunners team-mate will not be rushing back into the dugout. He does, however, admit that it would be “lovely” to see the World Cup winner working with strikers at Emirates Stadium.
Kylian Mbappe has been chasing the Ballon d’Or dream since he was a teenager, with Gilles Grimandi telling GOAL why he was left “embarrassed” when first being made aware of that ambitious Golden Ball target. The ex-Arsenal star formed part of transfer talks at the time, with Mbappe’s family making it clear to the Gunners that the flying frontman intended to become the best player on the planet.
Kylian Mbappe came “very close” to joining Arsenal as a teenage wonderkid. Gills Grimandi formed part of transfer talks at the time, and the former Gunners star has told GOAL that there remains an outside chance of the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ enhancing the French legacy in north London. A deal is not expected to be done any time soon, but nothing can be entirely ruled out.
The challenger Swiss sportswear brand has landed the Real Madrid superstar to front their football expansion, but we still don't know what his new boots might look like
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has jumped to the defence of Bradley Barcola after the winger faced a wave of criticism following his recent outings for the French national team. The £123m summer signing was targeted by the media in his homeland despite Les Bleus securing dominant victories during the international break.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed his top three candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The France international has backed his compatriots, naming Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise as the deserving frontrunners for the prestigious award.
Mathys Tel has sent a clear message to Roberto De Zerbi after a historic international break saw him equal France's all-time Under-21 goalscoring record. The Tottenham forward has struggled for rhythm at club level recently, but his sensational form for Les Bleuets suggests he is ready to ignite his Premier League campaign.
Robert Pires has jumped to the defence of former France manager Didier Deschamps following Zinedine Zidane's impressive start in charge of Les Bleus. The former Arsenal winger insisted that Deschamps' historic achievements must not be forgotten amid early praise for his successor.
The tournament might not kick-off for the best part of two years, but the extended international break offered some early clues as to how the challengers are shaping up
France manager Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia following his standout performance during Belgium's Nations League encounter with Les Bleus. Despite France emerging as 4-1 victors in Paris, the Real Madrid icon was quick to acknowledge the technical excellence of the young Blues star.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following allegations that world football’s governing body permitted an ineligible player to feature for DR Congo during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. The revelation has sparked outrage from rival nations who were eliminated by the Leopards, leading to potential legal challenges that could overshadow the tournament's legacy.
Mark van Bommel has praised his Belgium players despite suffering a heavy 4-1 Nations League defeat to France on Monday. The Dutchman remained upbeat about the performance, highlighting his team's solid organisation and a spectacular goal before a late collapse.
Manchester United centre-back Leny Yoro labelled his senior international debut "amazing" after helping France overturn a deficit to defeat Belgium 4-1 on Monday night. The 20-year-old produced an assured display at the Stade de France to mark his bow, winning all nine of his duels as Zinedine Zidane's side preserved their unbeaten Nations League run.
Michael Olise produced a devastating second-half cameo to inspire France to a 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium, cementing his status as the new face of the national team. The Bayern Munich star’s heroics at the Stade de France even led the home crowd to serenade him with chants typically reserved for the world's absolute elite.
France produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 in the Nations League and secure Zinedine Zidane's first home victory in charge. A remarkable 14-minute spell saw Michael Olise and his fellow substitutes completely flip the script at the Stade de France.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has jumped to the defence of Ousmane Dembele following the winger's difficult display during the Nations League victory over Belgium. Despite the Paris Saint-Germain star facing criticism for his recent international form, his manager remains steadfast in his support.
France produced a remarkable late blitz at the Stade de France to secure a 4-1 victory over Belgium in the Nations League. Trailing for the majority of the match, Zinedine Zidane's side scored four times in the final 14 minutes to overwhelm the visitors.
France maintained their grip on the top spot of Nations League Group 1 with a sensational 4-1 victory over Belgium at the Stade de France. Despite trailing for over an hour, a tactical masterclass from Zinedine Zidane saw the Bleus score four times in the final 14 minutes to stun their rivals.
Liverpool have been handed a significant fitness concern after Jeremy Jacquet was surprisingly omitted from the France starting lineup for their Nations League showdown against Belgium. The young centre-back, who has been a revelation at Anfield this season, was forced to watch from the sidelines as a Manchester United rival took his place on the international stage.
Mika Godts has sent a defiant message ahead of Belgium's Nations League clash with France, insisting the team will stick to their principles despite the absence of key leaders. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster is expected to start in his new home city as Mark van Bommel’s side look to make a statement on the international stage.
France manager Zinedine Zidane has demanded immediate action to solve a glaring lack of quality in the full-back positions. The legendary coach has tasked the French Football Federation (FFF) with finding and developing fresh defensive talent to strengthen his squad moving forward.
France
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