Tag: France

Giroud Explains Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Rise

Olivier Giroud (France)
September 2025


Olivier Giroud admitted he never foresaw Ousmane Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or, despite his talent. Dembele’s resurgence at PSG, capped by 35 goals and a Champions League triumph, convinced critics he deserved football’s top individual honor after years of struggles at Barcelona. Giroud highlighted that Ballon d’Or winners need both talent and team success, noting Dembele’s form peaked at the right time with PSG’s historic quadruple. He called it a season where Dembele “had everything”—fitness, consistency, and trophies—that finally fulfilled his long-questioned potential.

Ekitike Equals Sturridge Record at Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
September 2025

New signing Hugo Ekitike has made a flying start at Liverpool, scoring in his first three matches to match Daniel Sturridge’s 2013 record. His form has also earned him his first senior France call-up during the September international break. Goals against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle cemented his impact, while positive contributions versus Arsenal kept his momentum going. Ekitike credits teammates and Arne Slot’s support for helping him quickly adapt and settle into life at Anfield.

Mbappe Equals Henry’s France Scoring Record

Kylian Mbappe (France)
September 2025

Kylian Mbappe scored in France’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine, equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 51 international goals. The Real Madrid forward is now joint second on France’s all-time scoring chart, behind Olivier Giroud’s 56 goals. Mbappe netted France’s second goal in the 82nd minute after Michael Olise’s opener. Speaking post-match, Mbappe described it as “an honour” to match Henry and praised his legacy, while downplaying immediate focus on Giroud’s record despite being on track to surpass it.

PSG Furious After Dembele Injury on France Duty

Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
September 2025

PSG have expressed anger after Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury while playing for France in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine. The winger was forced off early in the second half, adding to his long list of fitness concerns. Dembele was replaced by Desire Doue, with PSG later accusing France’s medical staff of ignoring warnings about protecting the player. The injury has raised tensions between club and country, with PSG frustrated by losing a key man so soon into the season.

Deschamps Relaxes Rules to Connect With Players

Didier Deschamps (France)
September 2025

Didier Deschamps admitted lifting his locker-room phone ban and shortening team talks, saying old methods lost effect after criticism from Euro 2024 and Nations League disappointments. The France manager conceded modern players need more freedom and personal connection. By aligning with club norms and cutting team talks from 45 to 10 minutes, Deschamps hopes to rebuild trust and adapt his authority to evolving dressing-room dynamics.

Chelsea & Aston Villa Compete for Mike Maignan

Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
March 2025

Chelsea and Aston Villa are interested in signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
With Milan open to offers, Chelsea scouts have monitored Maignan for over a year. Aston Villa view him as a potential long-term replacement for Emiliano Martínez.

Bayern Suffer Major Injury Blows: Davies Out for Months, Upamecano Also Sidelined

Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
March 2025 (post-international break)

Bayern Munich have confirmed that Alphonso Davies will miss several months due to a torn ACL, while Dayot Upamecano is out for a few weeks with knee issues.
Davies sustained a torn ACL in his right knee while on duty with Canada in their 2-1 win over the USA. He will undergo surgery immediately. Upamecano, who helped France beat Croatia in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, was diagnosed with loose bodies in his left knee and will be unavailable for several weeks. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl acknowledged the heavy blow, but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth to navigate through the injuries.

Lamine Yamal Fires Back at Van der Vaart After Spain’s Nations League Win

Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona), Rafael van der Vaart (Netherlands)
24 March 2025

Lamine Yamal clapped back at criticism from Rafael van der Vaart after scoring in Spain’s dramatic 3-3 (4-3 on penalties) win over Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. Despite missing a penalty in the shootout, Yamal helped his team advance and responded playfully on Instagram.
Van der Vaart had previously criticized Yamal’s on-pitch demeanor and how he wore his shorts. Yamal posted a cheeky response post-game, including Van der Vaart’s face and a photo of his lowered shorts. Spain now face France in the semifinals. Pedri also defended Yamal, highlighting the 17-year-old’s composure under pressure.

Franck Ribéry Reveals Near Leg Amputation Due to Infection

Franck Ribéry (former Bayern Munich & France winger)
Final season of his career 2022

Ribéry nearly had his leg amputated due to a flesh-eating infection following knee surgery during his time at Salernitana.
After surgery, he contracted Staphylococcus aureus, leading to severe complications, a 12-day emergency hospital stay, and eventual retirement. Ribéry also expressed lingering frustration over losing the 2013 Ballon d’Or, calling it an “injustice” despite his historic treble-winning year at Bayern.

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