Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has lifted the veil on one of the darkest moments of his international career, revealing the depth of his distress following Euro 2020. The World Cup winner admitted he nearly retired from France duty due to a barrage of racist abuse.
Ex-France manager Raymond Domenech has suggested that England are not "serious" contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side have widely been billed as one of the favourites for glory at the tournament in North America, but Domenech does not believe the Three Lions will shake their "loser" image.
Kylian Mbappe was only 19 when he turned the 2018 World Cup into his personal announcement to the world - breaking French records and matching feats last seen in Pele’s era, all while powering Les Bleus to a title that felt like the beginning of something historic. For the latest edition of Icons, GOAL's podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life, we look back on how Mbappe ran the show in Russia for France...
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly prepared to wait for an offer from Real Madrid as his contract situation at Liverpool continues to stall. The French international is entering a critical phase of his career and appears to have set his sights on a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Which goalkeepers have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award across the history of the competition? The award was introduced for the 1994 tournament, meaning plenty of iconic goalkeepers, including the likes of Gordon Banks and the initially eponymous Lev Yashin, missed out on the individual award. GOAL has everything you need to know about the award handed to the standout stopper at any single tournament.
Neymar has detailed the immense emotional burden while toiling for full fitness at Santos. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar says the pressure to perform in his homeland is "crushing" as he eyes a World Cup spot with Brazil. Despite the weight of expectation, the veteran forward took time to laud former team-mate Kylian Mbappe’s elite finishing.
Former France international Christophe Dugarry has launched a scathing attack on Rayan Cherki, questioning the immense hype surrounding the Manchester City playmaker. Despite his recent €36.5 million move to England and an impressive debut season across all competitions, the 1998 World Cup winner believes the 22-year-old is far from being the finished article for the national side.
Brazil fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the national team’s attacking output following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, even resorting to chanting Neymar's name in the absence of the Santos star. However, Joao Pedro believes the talent currently at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Raphinha, matches the individual quality of the iconic trios that defined previous golden eras.
Crystal Palace are bracing for a surge of interest in Maxence Lacroix after the defender made his senior international debut for France. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old, who has established himself as the fastest centre-back in the Premier League this season. With no release clause in his current deal, the Eagles face a major battle to retain their defensive lynchpin this summer.
Gary Lineker has identified the two nations he believes are ahead of England in the pecking order to win the upcoming World Cup. Despite the optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, the legendary striker insists that the Three Lions remain behind the world's elite in terms of tournament readiness. While England boast a star-studded squad, Lineker suggests that historical consistency and tactical maturity give their rivals a significant edge.
Didier Deschamps was left fuming despite France's 3-1 victory over Colombia, launching a scathing assessment of the South Americans' physical approach. The national team boss was particularly incensed by a late challenge on Michael Olise that he felt belonged in a completely different sport.
Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions that he is prioritising the French national team over his club commitments at Real Madrid. The forward addressed growing concerns in the Spanish capital following a period of fitness uncertainty and high-stakes fixtures at club level.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has expressed his frustration with the logistical challenges and "unprecedented" security measures encountered during Les Bleus' tour of the United States. Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly against Colombia, the World Cup-winner highlighted the difficulties facing international teams as they navigate American infrastructure.
Eduardo Camavinga has come to the defence of his Real Madrid team-mate, Vinicius Junior, offering a revealing insight into the Brazilian's behaviour on the pitch. The French midfielder took advantage of the recent international window to explain why the winger often displays such effusiveness towards opponents, referees and fans.
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