After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world are beginning to descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way on June 11.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
French football legend Michel Platini has defended international captain Kylian Mbappe after the forward publicly warned against the far right taking power in France. While validating the Real Madrid star's societal stance, the former UEFA president offered some stern advice regarding the immense responsibilities and risks of such high-profile exposure.
France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.
The European football season is almost over. Just one game remains - the Champions League final, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to do battle in Budapest on Saturday. Both sides come into the game having won their own domestic titles, with PSG looking to defend the crown they won for the first time last season, while the Gunners are aiming to secure their first European Cup.
Kylian Mbappe has been crowned Real Madrid’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year following a prolific individual campaign. However, the 27-year-old's remarkable goalscoring exploits have been heavily overshadowed by intense unrest at the Santiago Bernabeu, with supporters directing widespread frustration towards their own stars amidst a trophyless season.
Vinicius Junior has set the record straight on his relationship with Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe, describing the Frenchman as a "legendary" footballer destined for success at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazil international insisted that the two maintain a close bond both on and off the pitch, despite having yet to win a major trophy together at the club.
Harry Kane has been officially crowned the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe winner following an extraordinary goalscoring campaign for Bayern Munich. The England captain decisively beat Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe to the prestigious prize, cementing his status as the most lethal finisher across Europe's top leagues.
Former Real Madrid head coach Jorge Valdano has come to the defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting that the Frenchman is being unfairly targeted by critics. The legendary Argentine figure believes the narrative surrounding the forward has become toxic since his move to the Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a heartfelt farewell to Kylian Mbappe and the Real Madrid squad after stepping down from his role as head coach. The former Blancos defender’s departure comes following a final-day victory over Athletic Club, marking the end of a whirlwind six-month tenure in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout.
Kylian Mbappe secured a second straight Pichichi Trophy after scoring in Real Madrid’s final-day win over Athletic Club. The French forward has now matched a feat previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over the last 38 years in La Liga.
Real Madrid brought a difficult domestic campaign to a close with a 4-2 victory over Athletic Club, providing a fitting farewell to club legend Dani Carvajal. On a night defined by transition and legacy at the Bernabeu, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both found the net to ensure the home supporters went home with a smile.
Kylian Mbappe has sent a deeply emotional message to David Alaba following the news that the veteran defender will leave Real Madrid this summer. The French superstar described the Austrian international as a close friend and a vital part of his transition to life in the Spanish capital.
Albanian international Marash Kumbulla has provided a fascinating insight into the challenge of defending against the world's best attackers. Currently on loan at Mallorca from Roma, the centre-back has experienced the unique difficulty of facing both Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's superstar Kylian Mbappe.
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