France Football

Dembele picked up the gong after an incredible season for PSG where he scored 35 goals and added 16 assists, with the Parisians winning four trophies, including the Champions League.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe cut a glum figure as he watched Nice lose to Roma in their Europa League opener on Wednesday night.

Re-live Mail Sport's live blog for the latest news and updates from the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris as Ousmane Dembele led candidates to take home the prestigious award.

When Erling Haaland smashed the record for the quickest player to reach 50 Champions League goals on Wednesday night, it sparked a debate about where he stands in the list of all-time great strikers.

A member of Chelsea's 'bomb squad' has revealed why he snubbed an approach from West Ham during the transfer window, despite facing the prospect of four months in exile at Stamford Bridge.

French football bosses flew to Spain for a crunch summit with Real Madrid chiefs in a bid to repair relations after Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or snub, according to a report.

PSG are reportedly far from happy with France manager Didier Deschamps after Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury in Friday's 2-0 win.

The year 2025 has been a positive one so far for Chelsea and their future beyond this year looks bright too.

The 23-year-old will have to wait longer to get his first senior international call-up despite hitting the ground running since his summer move to Anfield.

Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe were told to find new clubs after the physical altercation, which occurred following the club's 1-0 defeat by Rennes in their Ligue 1 opener.

Here, we list the next 10 great talents, across the globe and across sports - it's time to get to know them now, because they'll be household names before you know it.

JAMES SHARPE: When Ekitike looked for all the world like he had joined Newcastle from Stade Reims three years ago, all the chatter was that they were signing the 'next Thierry Henry '.

The payments are believed to be linked to Mbappe's promise to donate his 2022 World Cup prize money to the personnel who guarded the team throughout the tournament.

When Hugo Ekitike looked for all the world like he'd joined Newcastle from Stade Reims three years ago, all the chatter among those in the North East was that they were signing the 'next Thierry Henry'.

Wiegman berated the fourth official about decisions that never went her team's way but it was camouflage, a distraction from the serious shortfalls in front of her.

In September 2023, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder was handed a four-year suspension after returning an adverse drugs test, which was later reduced to 18 months.

Paul Pogba believes Juventus did not support him during his doping ban. He was handed a four-year suspension after returning an adverse drugs test, which was later slashed to 18 months.

The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder was handed a four-year doping ban after returning an adverse drugs test, however that suspension was later slashed to just 18 months.

Adrien Rabiot is suing his former club Paris Saint-Germain just a day after the France international received €1.3million (£1.1m) in compensation from the European champions.

The prolific striker is best remembered as one of the victorious European Champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini, and netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances.

The 2026 World Cup begins a year from today and these are the must-know under-the-radar stars who will light up the global showpiece.

Rayan Cherki has already endeared himself to Manchester City supporters before kicking a ball for the club.

Goals from captain Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise earned France a 2-0 victory over Germany in Stuttgart on Sunday, a success that means they finish third in this season's Nations League.

Mbappe faced questions about Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph when he addressed the media on the eve of Sunday's UEFA Nations League third-place playoff against Germany.

The teenager was playing for French side Jeunesse Villenavaise at a tournament against Bordeaux's Under 15s as part of the Sam Elite tournament in Merignac on Sunday.

Paddy Power punters will have arrived at work with a spring in their step on Friday morning after Thursday's action-packed Nations League clash between Spain and France.

Lamine Yamal put forward his case to win the Ballon d'Or by scoring twice in a brilliant display to secure Spain's place in the Nations League final with a 5-4 victory over France.

Mail Sport understands Chelsea are currently trying to negotiate a £10m move for the Frenchman, who has one year remaining on his deal, while AC Milan have valued him at £25m.

After a second stint at Real Madrid came to an end in 2021 Zidane has yet to take on another managerial position, despite multiple approaches.

The German giants celebrated their triumph with fans on Sunday in the centre of Munich where they were seen parading the trophy from the balcony of the Town Hall.

The French domestic league was ranked the fifth most profitable league in Europe for 2022-23, bringing in £2.1billion in revenue compared to the Premier League's vastly superior £6.2bn.

A model labelled 'the world's most beautiful girl', who previously took the world by storm aged six, is actually the daughter of a former Premier League star.

Paul Pogba has been without a team since November 2024 when his contract with Juventus was mutually terminated, allowing him to negotiate with other clubs as a free agent.

Evra, 43, called it a day on his football career in 2019, and has switched the boots for gloves as he prepares to debut for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at their Paris event on May 23.

Evra, 43, hung up his boots in July 2019, having made 734 senior football appearances, winning 20 trophies in 21 years. Meanwhile, Suarez is still at it in the MLS, playing for Inter Miami.

TOM COLLOMOSSE: Ever since Martinez cast his spell on France in the 2022 World Cup Final, which Argentina won, he has been the footballer they love to hate in this country.

The 41-year-old enjoyed a wealth of success during his playing career, winning two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, and a Champions League medal during his three-year spell at the Nou Camp.

Seven fans who made Nazi salutes during a Nations League match between France and Croatia have been taken into custody, authorities have confirmed.

Ribery has revealed how he almost lost his leg that year after suffering from a flesh-eating leg infection following an operation on his knee towards the end of his career.

The defender had started the Nations League quarter-final first leg against Croatia on Thursday night, but was forced off at half-time following a knock with France 2-0 down.

Mbappe was left out of France's squads for their internationals in October and November, apparently due to his 'fitness' the first time, but he was in the condition to play for the second.

The France captain arrived wearing a varsity jacket from the collection produced by Christian Dior and KAWS, a US artist. The £3,400 jacket is aimed at celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Olise was eligible to play for the Three Lions and Les Blues, having been born in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother.

Kicked off in the game's late stages, the star allegedly missed Donnarumma's heroics during the last phase of the match when the Italian saved two penalty shots from Nunez and Jones.

SIMON JONES: The French Under-19 has had a fruitful campaign in the second division, netting nine goals and providing two assists in Ligue 2, playing 17 times in the competition this term.

West Ham have made an offer worth up to £30million for a highly-rated Lorient forward. The youngster is enjoying a breakout year in France, with nine goals and two assists so far this season,

Antoine Griezmann has ended his career-long association with Puma and signed for French sports brand Decathlon. The France World Cup winner has been wearing blacked-out boots of late.

Kylian Mbappe has opened up on the issues he faced during his first few months at Real Madrid, before the French superstar established himself as a vital source of goals for Los Blancos.

He is set to announce the news on Wednesday afternoon. The 56-year-old will leave ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico if they fail to qualify, and after it if they do make it.

Caen have endured a difficult start to the season and currently sit third from bottom after 10 losses in 17 Ligue 2 games and And manager Seube paid the price last Sunday as he was sacked.

Pogba's four-year drugs ban was slashed to 18 months earlier this season, meaning that the former Manchester United midfielder can return to the grass as early as March next year.

Rather than join up with France, an injured Mbappe went to Stockholm for a break from football, deciding to focus on his recovery, though it was a call that seemingly provoked ire back home.

Desailly and Cosma Batista de Alcantara are due at the Paris judicial court on Tuesday amid an ongoing case to confirm whether he is the biological father of his ex-partner's daughter.

The defender was also part of the France side that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 and Lizarazu earned 97 caps for Les Bleus before he retired from football in 2006.

Zinedine Zidane was dramatically shown a red card in the final game of his career after clashing heads with the former Italy star, whose side went on to lift the trophy.

Les Bleus may have underwhelmed in the French capital, but a point was enough to book their spot in the quarter-final stage of the Nations League with at least second place secured.

The Real Madrid star, who has been an integral part of Deschamps' side since winning the World Cup in 2018, was not involved during the last international break in October.

The Frenchman has struggled to fully impose himself in Spain since making his highly-anticipated switch to Los Blancos following years of courtship, despite a strong start.

Mbappe was left out of the former Marseille and Monaco boss' squad for Les Bleus' upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Israel and Italy, despite the forward's return to fitness.

Mbappe has endured a mixed start to his life at Real Madrid, having finally arrived in the Spanish capital following a transfer saga that feels as though it is already a number of years old.

Now playing for French fourth-tier side Bordeaux, on face value it looks like quite a fall from grace for the striker, but he insists he loves the relaxed pace of life - despite being left out of pocket.

The striker, 25, signed for PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt for £77million in 2023 but has managed just 11 goals in 50 appearances.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or takes place tonight in Paris, crown the best man and woman in world football.

Paris St Germain will take their wage dispute with Kylian Mbappe to court after the French football league's governing body (LFP) ruled in favour of the France captain on Friday.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, the former Arsenal striker and France captain shared his opinion on how PSG has changed, since Mbappe left for Real Madrid this summer.

Mbappe has had a whirlwind few weeks which began with turning down the call-up for international duty to focus on his recovery from a hamstring injury, which did not go down too well in France .

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY SAMI MOKBEL: It is the afternoon of October 4, 2024. Paul Pogba stands at home gazing out of the window overcome with shock. Happy shock.

The French international has blasted 'fake news' about an alleged rape at the hotel where he was staying with friends last week.

The Arsenal star has been one of the Premier League 's best defenders for the last two years but he was hung out to dry for an 'awful display' - even by Gunners fans.

The former Manchester United midfielder could return to the playing field in March after he had his four year drugs ban slashed to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Mbappe has faced criticism in his home country for missing their Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid .

Bordeaux, six-time Ligue 1 winners, were still smarting from their first relegation from the top-flight in 31 years when their situation went from bad to catastrophic.

Chelsea and France forward Christopher Nkunku scored his first international goal for Les Bleus by teeing it up with an outrageous no-look turn on the edge of the area.

The former Manchester City defender was a crucial part of Luis de la Fuente's La Roja side that won the European Championship in the summer.

France head coach Didier Deschamps (inset) was reportedly caught by surprise over Real Madrid's key decision on Kylian Mbappe (right) after the superstar wasn't called up for national team duty.

Only Olivier Giroud (57), Thierry Henry (51) and Kylian Mbappe (48) have scored more goals than Griezmann in the history of the France men's national team.

The defender's game time has been limited having made just two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League before playing 45 minutes of the the Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth.

On Wednesday morning, the former Man United, Real Madrid and France star called time on his glittering career, revealing the decision via a post on his Instagram account.

Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month, with the defender subsequently left out of their Serie A squad.