French football star and Atlético Madrid forward, one of his generation’s defining players.
Messi and Mbappé are among the leaders in the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race, each with six goals. Haaland and Kane are close behind, while Dembele, Oyarzabal, Vinicius Junior and Sarr also feature in the race. No one has secured the award yet, and tiebreakers include assists and minutes played. The race continues as knockout-stage play unfolds.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
Dinamo Zagreb have defeated FC Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in the Croatian capital, with McKenna scoring and helping Zagreb solidify their lead in the tie. The 29-year-old defender, who has been linked with Rangers, has featured prominently in Europe this season as Zagreb push towards the play-off round.
MLS has named Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner, with Don Garber transitioning to a chairman role by 2027. Berg will divest from LAFC and lead the league into a new calendar and media rights era following the 2026 World Cup boost.
Vinicius Jr is at the center of renewed contract negotiations with Real Madrid as Arsenal watch for a potential bid. Real Madrid is seeking to renew terms before the transfer window closes; Arsenal is prepared to accelerate if talks stall. Other clubs are weighing interest as Vinicius weighs his future.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
Mourinho has confirmed his return to Real Madrid for a second spell, a move that reshapes the club’s coaching dynamics and expectations after a trophy-laden first era. The Netflix documentary adds fresh context, recounting a pivotal moment when a Chelsea reunion fell through after Real Madrid’s 2010-13 dominance.