Duhok Overview

Thierry Henry has fiercely defended his performance as host of the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony following a wave of social media backlash. The Arsenal and France legend found himself at the centre of several controversies after his interactions with Lamine Yamal and co-host Kate Scott divided opinion among viewers.

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has backed French winger Michael Olise to win a future Ballon d'Or as the German giants prepare fresh contract discussions. The Bavarian hierarchy are eager to tie down their prized playmaker beyond his existing 2029 deal after seeing off transfer interest from Real Madrid during the summer.

Real Madrid have been forced to issue a formal public apology to the people of China following a significant backlash against Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar landed himself in hot water after making comments that were widely perceived as disrespectful toward the nation's founding leader.

Spanish football heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona have put their fierce domestic rivalry aside to issue messages of solidarity following a fatal high-speed rail collision in central Spain on Wednesday morning. At least 10 passengers lost their lives when two services crashed near the town of Urda in the province of Toledo.