French footballer, attacking midfielder for Lyon
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
Spain defeats France 2-0 in the semi-final, with Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo scoring after Lamine Yamal wins a penalty. France suffer an injury blow as William Saliba leaves with back problems. Spain now faces England or Argentina in the final.
Spain masterclasss sinks France 2-0 in Dallas, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second. Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament; France will play for third place while Spain awaits the final.
Phil Foden has extended his Manchester City contract until 2030 with an option to 2031, amid a renaissance under Enzo Maresca. The winger/attacker has become City’s most decorated player, and the deal signals confidence in a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is reuniting with Foden as the club plans to reclaim dominance in domestic and European competitions.
The French Football Federation has announced Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the France national team. Zidane has not coached since 2021 and signs a four-year contract. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who has stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane says he is ready to lead the team to further glory.
Celtic has secured a four-year deal with Haissem Hassan, a 24-year-old winger from Oviedo, with an option for a fifth year and add-ons totalling around £9m. The signing follows late-season interest and signals a broader transfer push as Mika Baur negotiations continue. Liverpool and Barca-linked moves also shape the summer, with new options for squads across the Premier League and La Liga.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.
Fernandes has broken the Premier League assists record with 21 assists and scored nine goals as Manchester United finish third. Shaw has top-scored for City with 21 goals as they win the Women’s Super League. The awards are decided by the Football Writers’ Association and PFA, with additional honours for players across Arsenal, City and United. The teams also celebrate multiple winners and a host of youth awards.
Lyon winger Bradley Barcola has become a PSG-alarm story reward. Liverpool have agreed a £100m deal to sign Barcola after a rapid rise from Lyon’s reserves to Ligue 1 champion and France international. The transfer follows his breakout season and a blockbuster move that fueled PSG’s departures, marking the culmination of a high-speed rise.
Manchester City has maintained early-season momentum with a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace, led by Rayan Cherki’s two goals and Erling Haaland’s brace. Enzo Maresca’s side shows attacking fluency under the new manager, with Cherki delivering a Player of the Match performance and Haaland hitting form in back-to-back fixtures.
Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick and adds an assist as Manchester United overturn a first-half deficit to beat Ipswich 5-2. Kobbie Mainoo is hailed as world-class by Luke Shaw, and new signing Baleba waits in the wings.
Arsenal has started the season with three straight wins, signaling a strong title challenge as City face pressure to respond. Hull City is making a surprise early statement under Jakirovic, taking seven points from three games and challenging expectations in the Premier League.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Manchester City have won a dramatic Manchester derby, extending their lead at the top as United push hard but fall short. A red card for Phil Foden opened a chaotic half, with Enzo Fernandez offside controversy and Haaland finishing late to seal the result.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has sustained a knee hyperextension and will return to Madrid for treatment, casting doubt over his participation in upcoming Nations League matches and the Clasico.
France and Italy draw 1-1 in Paris as Olise scores a late wonder goal for France; Bastoni equalises for Italy, Donnarumma makes key saves; Zidane’s France maintain Group A1 lead while Mancini’s Italy push for Euro 2028 relevance.
Manchester City has been found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The independent commission has ruled that the club artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs through sham contracts and disguised funding, with sanctions to be decided at a separate hearing. City denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal.