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☆ Is Soccer’s Model Club Actually … Real Madrid?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Florentino Pérez had a contented smile on his face, and with good reason. He had just watched Spain and Brazil share a thrilling, freewheeling draw at the stadium he has expensively, lavishly, reappointed. Now, Pérez, Real Madrid’s all-powerful president, found himself in a whitewashed tunnel, presented — completely by chance, obviously — with his favorite kind of photo opportunity. To one side stood Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid’s standard-bearer and main event, dutifully introducing the man who pays his wages to his Brazil teammates. But Pérez’s focus was on Endrick, the 17-year-old star-in-waiting who will complete his long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.

Persons: Florentino Pérez, —, Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Pérez, “ We’re, ” Locations: Spain, Brazil, Santiago

☆ A supercomputer is tracking one of most exciting soccer title races for years. It keeps coming up with different predictions
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —A supercomputer is tracking one of the most exciting English Premier League title races in years and with three clubs involved, separated by a matter of points, it keeps spitting out different predictions as it analyzes thousands of simulations. Liverpool leads the title race on 70 points, with Arsenal second on 68 and City third on 67. Manchester City has the chance to win an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title. Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ImagesTwists and turnsLiverpool’s result follows a successful night for Manchester City and Arsenal on Wednesday, with both teams easing to victories. The team now looks focused on winning a league title as the perfect way of saying thank you to Klopp after his years of service.

Persons: “, ”, Oli Scarff, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, –, Arsenal breezed, Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard’s, they’ll, Guardiola, David Price, ” Guardiola, Arteta, Klopp, Sheffield United – Klopp, Darwin, Conor Bradley, Mo Salah, Molly Darlington, Nunez, Ivo Grbic’s, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, ” Klopp, – it’s Organizations: CNN, English, League, – Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City –, Premier League, Liverpool, ”, Sheffield United, Manchester City, Reds, Aston Villa, Champions League, Crystal, team’s Champions League, Real Madrid, City, Manchester United, Old, FA, Arsenal FC, Getty, Invincible, Gunners, Luton, Reuters, Chelsea Locations: Liverpool, AFP, City, Luton, Old Trafford, Arteta, London, Chelsea

CNN —Brazilian superstar Vinícius Jr. broke down in tears in an emotional media conference on Monday while speaking about his experience with racist abuse while playing for Real Madrid in Spain. This comes after a series of instances of racism that have been directed towards Vinícius in Spain. Racist slurs have also been caught on camera during Real’s matches at Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Valladolid and Atlético. Notably, some Spanish journalists say Vinícius has only himself to blame for the abuse he’s received. Aitor Alcalde/Getty ImagesDespite the criticism that Vinícius has received in Spain, many in other countries remain firmly in support of the talented Brazilian.

Persons: Vinícius Jr, “, ”, Vinícius, Spain, –, Pierre, Philippe Marcou, I’ve, he’s, Jude, Eduardo, Camavinga, David Bernabeu, Javier Tebas, backtrack, ” Vinícius, Aitor, Troy Townsend, ‘, ’ ” Townsend, Rio Ferdinand, @vinijr Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, Spain, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Reuters, Valencia, Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, Real, Getty, Liga, CNN Sport, Royal Spanish Football Federation, ESPN, Estadio Mestalla, Aitor Alcalde, ” Former Manchester United Locations: Spain, Madrid, Vinícius, Mallorca, Real Valladolid, Atlético, AFP, Bellingham, Rodrygo, ESPN Brazil, British, England

☆ Endrick: Brazilian teen sensation breaks records with winning goal against England
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Teen sensation Endrick scored the winning goal as Brazil beat England on Saturday, putting him into the record books and alongside some of the greats of the Seleção. He almost had another goal in the dying moments of the game but was denied by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. He is also a player with whom Endrick has drawn comparisons due to their playing styles. “In the stadium where Pelé never managed to play … Endrick with his first international goal and a winning goal against England,” South American football expert Tim Vickery told BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards. The kid is a prodigy.”Endrick’s goal against England was an important one too, with it giving new Brazil manager Dorival Júnior his first victory in his debut in the role.

Persons: Endrick, Jordan Pickford, Wembley –, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldo –, ” Endrick, Brazil’s, “ I’m, Pelé, Tim Vickery, “, Bobby Charlton, ”, Dorival Júnior, Lucas Paquetá Organizations: CNN, Brazil, England, Wembley, Brazil’s Globo, Reuters, Real Madrid, Brazilian, Palmeiras, Brazil national team, “, ” South, BBC Radio Locations: Brazil, London, Real, Spain

☆ The CEO of budget airline Ryanair says his potential $109 million bonus is great value for shareholders compared to the money star athletes make
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

CEO Michael O'Leary is set for a $109 million bonus dependent on the company's stock price rising. He told the Journal it's "very good value for Ryanair shareholders" compared to star soccer players. AdvertisementThe CEO of ultra-low-cost airline Ryanair told The Wall Street Journal his potential $109 million bonus is "very good value" compared to star athletes. Mbappé, the captain of the French national team and arguably the best soccer player in the world, has agreed to a signing bonus of 150 million euros ($162 million) across five years with Real Madrid, the BBC reported. "The funny thing we've learned over the years is actually the bad publicity sells far more seats than the good," O'Leary told The Journal.

Persons: Michael O'Leary, —, it's, O'Leary Organizations: Ryanair, Europe's, Service, Wall Street, Financial Times, Journal, Real, French national, Real Madrid, BBC Locations: Real Madrid

☆ Traveling with my dad helped me see him as an individual, not just my parent, and improved our relationship dynamic
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Adam England | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

First, it was just me and my parents, and then my sister was born shortly before my ninth birthday. Over the next six years, I went on a few trips with friends, my girlfriend, and my university. And my parents and sister had all traveled at least once separately too, whether for work, school, or leisure. And, I learned more about the sort of things my parents are planning for when both of their children are adults. While my parents work on computers and are by no means technophobes, I was able to make the trip with my dad easier by having an app for everything.

Persons: I've, they've, Jude Bellingham, Adam England, I'm, they're Organizations: Birmingham City, Birmingham, Apple Locations: California, Lanzarote, Madrid, Birmingham, Real Madrid, Spain, —

☆ Champions League draw: Real Madrid to face Manchester City in pick of the quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester City has been drawn against Real Madrid in a mouthwatering Champions League quarterfinal clash. Real Madrid will be looking for revenge after suffering a 5-1 aggregate drubbing at the hands of City in last season’s semifinals, as Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the title for the first time in the club’s history. Real Madrid will be out for revenge after last season's defeat to City. Molly Darlington/ReutersFinally, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund - arguably the two underdog teams in the quarterfinals - will face off in perhaps the most even of the ties for a place in the semifinals. Draw in fullArsenal vs. Bayern MunichAtletico Madrid vs. Borussia DortmundReal Madrid vs. Manchester CityParis Saint-Germain vs. BarcelonaSemifinal drawAtlético or Dortmund vs. PSG or BarcelonaArsenal or Bayern vs. Real Madrid or Man City

Persons: Pep, Harry Kane, Kane, Germain, Xavi, Molly Darlington Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Real, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Spurs, Bayern, England, Paris Saint, Barcelona, Champions League, City, Reuters, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico, Dortmund hasn’t, Bayern Munich Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid, Manchester City Paris Saint, Atlético, Dortmund, PSG, Barcelona Arsenal Locations: Real Madrid, London, French, Man

☆ Martin Ødegaard: How teenage prodigy finally found his home at Arsenal
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —As he led the team out inside of a raucous Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard had the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Because Ødegaard looks to have finally found his home at Arsenal. On a magical night for Arsenal fans, Ødegaard produced another sensational performance, proving once again to be the creative spark for Mikel Arteta’s team. But, in Ødegaard, Arsenal finally has a leader who looks determined to lead this team to success. And, in Arsenal, Ødegaard finally has a place to shine.

Persons: Martin Ødegaard, Ødegaard, Mikel Arteta’s, Leandro Trossard, Arsenal's Ødegaard, Andrew Boyers, Arsene Wenger’s, Martin, ”, Hans Erik Ødegaard, Zinedine Zidane, Denis Doyle, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Arteta, “, “ Martin, he’s, ” Ødegaard, Mike Hewitt Organizations: CNN, Emirates, Arsenal, Gunners, Porto, Champions League, Norwegian, Strømsgodset, Norwegian national, Manchester United, Liverpool, CNN Sport, ”, Madrid, Real Madrid, La Liga, Spanish, Real Sociedad, ” Arsenal, English Premier League rivals Manchester City Locations: Norwegian, Europe, France, Real, London, Liverpool, Ødegaard, Arsenal

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish state prosecutors have accused Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti of alleged tax fraud, claiming he used shell companies to hide parts of his income during his first stint at the club a decade ago. Prosecutors in Madrid said in a statement Wednesday that they are accusing Ancelotti of two accounts of tax fraud and are requesting a prison sentence of four years and nine months. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesFormer Madrid coach Jose Mourinho received a one-year suspended sentence after reaching a guilty plea for tax fraud in 2019. Star players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — among others — have also been found guilty of tax fraud in Spain. Madrid is leading the Spanish league and is set to play Leipzig on Wednesday for a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Persons: Carlo Ancelotti, Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo —, —, Mourinho, Ronaldo, Messi, ___ Organizations: Real Madrid, Prosecutors, Madrid, Champions League, AC Milan, Spanish, Star, Leipzig Locations: BARCELONA, Spain, Spanish, Madrid, Ancelotti, England, Italy, Germany, France

☆ Kylian Mbappé breaks part of net with powerful goal as he’s hailed ‘No. 1 player in the world’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The 25-year-old’s double led the French side to a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, Spain, giving it a 4-1 victory on aggregate over the two legs of their round-of-16 clash. Such was the power of his goal that the strike actually broke the net, leaving a hole behind between post and net. Mbappé doubled PSG’s lead on the night and effectively finished off the tie 11 minutes after halftime with another trademark goal. Mbappé scores PSG's second goal against Real Sociedad. Alvaro Barrientos/APAlthough Mikel Merino scored late on to give Real Sociedad some consolation, the evening was all about Mbappé and his excellent outing.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Mbappé, Alejandro Remiro, Alvaro Barrientos, Mikel Merino, “ We’re, ”, ” Mbappé, Luis Enrique lauding, ” Enrique, France’s, Mbappé –, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Rio Ferdinand, “, … Mbappé, don’t, Mbappé’s, ’ ”, Owen Hargreaves, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo Nazario, Hargreaves Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Real Sociedad, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, TNT Sports, France Locations: Paris, San Sebastián, Spain, –, England

☆ LaLiga ‘studying and analyzing the facts’ around latest Vinícius Jr. alleged racist abuse
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Patrick Sung | Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Spain’s LaLiga says it is “studying and analyzing the facts” around the latest alleged racist abuse incident towards Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium on Saturday. Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid/Getty ImagesVinícius has been subjected to racist abuse from the stands on numerous occasions during LaLiga matches over the past two seasons. He was also the target of racist abuse in Real’s league game at Valencia last season. In late May 2023, Spanish police said seven people had been detained in relation to incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinícius. These actions were the focal point of much of the abuse Federico received on his Instagram.

Persons: Spain’s LaLiga, Vinícius, Anna Anjos –, –, LaLiga, Anjos, Vini, ” Anjos, ” Vinícius, Antonio Villalba, Peter Federico, Federico, Valencia, “ Valencia, ” LaLiga Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, ESPN, Valencia, Royal Spanish Football Federation, CNN Sport, Spanish Locations: Real, Spain, Real Madrid, Vinícius, Madrid, Valencia

☆ Xabi Alonso becomes Europe’s most wanted coach as Bayer Leverkusen runs away with Bundesliga
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Xabi Alonso was appointed the club’s head coach in October 2022, with Leverkusen languishing near the bottom of the German table. Prior to being appointed Leverkusen’s manager, Alonso had coached Real Madrid’s Under-14 team and Real Sociedad’s B team. We have seen in the past what else can happen,” Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tag told Dazn after the victory over Köln. There are 10 games remaining in the Bundesliga season and Leverkusen is the strong favorite to win its first ever league title. And with Leverkusen in semifinals of the domestic cup and the round-of-16 stage of the Europa League, Alonso could cap off a memorable second season in first-team management with a hat-trick of trophies.

Persons: ’, Michael Ballack, Oliver Neuville, Dimitar Berbatov, Zé Roberto, Zidane’s, Xabi Alonso, Alonso, Ina Fassbender, –, Jeremie Frimpong, Grimaldo –, Grimaldo, Frimpong, John Muller, “, ”, Jonathan Tag, Köln, Wolfgang Rattay, Thomas Tuchel’s Organizations: CNN, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Real Madrid, Leverkusen, Spain, Bayern Munich, English Premier League, Köln, Getty, Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Merseyside, League, Spanish national team, Real Madrid’s, Real, Benfica, The, Bayern, Europa League Locations: Liverpool, AFP, Istanbul, Leverkusen, Europe

☆ Jude Bellingham red carded after final whistle as Real Madrid is controversially denied winning goal against Valencia
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was sent off after he was denied an injury-time winner against Valencia on Saturday. That prompted Bellingham, along with other Real Madrid players, to remonstrate angrily with the referee, only for the midfielder to be shown a red card as the match ended 2-2. Real Madrid pulled a goal back through Vinícius Jr. right on the stroke of halftime and continued to push for an equalizer in the second half. He had celebrated his first goal by raising his fist into the air on what was his 250th appearance for Real Madrid. Real next plays RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Valencia returns to action in the league against Getafe next Saturday.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Gil Manzano, remonstrate, Hugo Duro, Roman Yaremchuk, Dani Carvajal’s, Vinícius Jr, Vinícius, David S, Bustamante, Duro, Brahim Díaz, Manzano, Bellingham “, ‘, ”, Carlo Ancelotti, it’s, It’s, ” Ancelotti, ” Bellingham's, Pablo Morano, Valencia Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Madrid, Bellingham, Mallorca, Leipzig, Champions League, Getafe Locations: Bellingham, Valencia, Girona

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

☆ Laureus Awards: Erling Haaland and Manchester City lead nominations for this year’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland leads the nominations at this year’s Laureus Awards as he continues his record-breaking goal-scoring form. Haaland scored a stunning 52 goals in all competitions during Manchester City’s treble-winning season last year, being named Premier League Player of the Year in the process. 1 tennis player Iga Świątek. Nominees for this year’s awards were determined by a vote from members of the world’s media. The winners are then chosen in a secret ballot by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Noah Lyles, Max Verstappen, Haaland, couldn’t, ”, Laureus, Pep Guardiola, ” Europe’s, Catherine Ivill, Mikaela Shiffrin, Iga, Jude Bellingham, Coco Gauff Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Sportsman, Manchester, Premier League Player, “, Laureus, Premier League, ” Europe’s Ryder Cup, Red Bull Racing, Spanish women’s, City, Sports Academy Locations: Norwegian, England, Europe, Madrid, Spain, Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will leave the club at the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. Mbappe, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, will be a free agent at the end of the campaign after seven years with PSG. Mbappe has been at PSG since 2017 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million. Mbappe will be the latest superstar player to leave the French club in recent times following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar last year. Mbappe won five French league titles with PSG, but has so far failed to lead it to success in the Champions League.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Germain, Mbappe hasn’t, PSG President Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar Organizations: Paris Saint, Associated Press, PSG President, PSG, France, Monaco, Real, Champions League, ___ Locations: Real Madrid, Madrid, Mbappe

☆ Brahim Díaz scores ‘incredible’ goal to hand Real Madrid advantage in Champions League round of 16 tie
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Brahim Díaz scored a sensational goal on Tuesday to earn an injury-plagued Real Madrid a 1-0 win and the advantage in its Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig. After the host had kept the 14-time European champion at bay in the first half, Díaz broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. He scored a spectacular goal, it was incredible,” Carlo Ancelotti told reporters, speaking about Díaz’s performance. Madrid goalkeeper steps upIn truth, a depleted Los Blancos looked far short of their fluent best and can thank its third-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for helping win the match. Elsewhere in the Champions League, reigning champion Manchester City beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of its last-16 tie.

Persons: Brahim Díaz, Díaz, Jude Bellingham, ” Carlo Ancelotti, Alexander Hassenstein, Bellingham, Antonio Rüdiger, ” Bellingham, Andriy Lunin, Amadou Haidara’s, Andriy, Lunin, Benjamin Šeško’s, Šeško, Benjamin Henrichs, –, Santiago Bernabéu, Kevin De Bruyne Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, Champions League, RB Leipzig, Santiago, Italian, AC Milan, Twitter, Madrid, Reuters, ”, League, Manchester City, FC Copenhagen, English Premier League Locations: Madrid, Leipzig, Ukrainian, ” Leipzig, Belgian

☆ Racheal Kundananji: Bay FC signs Zambian soccer star for reported $787,000 world record fee
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Bay FC, the newest team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has made an ambitious statement of intent ahead of the upcoming season by signing Zambian international Racheal Kundananji. “I want to give the [Bay FC] fans what they want – to enjoy the games, to enjoy seeing me playing and scoring.”Kundananji joins Bay FC from Spanish side Madrid CFF for a reported world record fee of €735,000 (around $787,000), according to multiple reports including ESPN. CNN has contacted Bay FC, Madrid CFF and the NWSL regarding the transfer fee. The contract runs through the 2027 season with an option for an additional year in 2028, Bay FC said. “We are delighted to add Racheal to our group,” Bay FC general manager Lucy Rushton said in a press release from the club.

Persons: Kundananji, ” Kundananji, Lucy Rushton, Diego Souto, Asisat Oshoala, Jen Beattie, Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, Aly Wagner Organizations: CNN — Bay FC, National Women’s Soccer League, Zambian, “, BBC Sport Africa, FC, Bay FC, Madrid CFF, ESPN, CNN, Real Madrid, Liga F, Spain’s Liga, San, Spanish, Costa, US Women’s National, Sixth Locations: “ People, Zambia, Bay, Spanish, Scottish, San Jose, Kazakhstan, Costa Rica

☆ Jude Bellingham: The 20-year-old Englishman leading Real Madrid’s La Liga title charge
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Jude Bellingham’s debut season at Real Madrid has exceeded all expectations so far, fueling his team’s La Liga title charge. And against Girona on Saturday, the 20-year-old scored another two goals to seal Real Madrid’s decisive 4-0 victory over its unlikely title challenger and go five points clear at the top of the La Liga table. There are few players in the world who can match his movement for his first goal.”Real Madrid was already 1-0 up when Bellingham scored his first of the evening. Jude Bellingham scored Real Madrid's second goal against Girona. “He’s incredible and I hope he keeps scoring goals all campaign,” Vinícius told Real Madrid TV.

Persons: CNN — Jude Bellingham’s, Carlo Ancelotti, Zidane, it’s, Ancelotti, “ Zidane, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, ’, Jude Bellingham, Pierre, Philippe Marcou, Vinícius, Rodrygo, “, ” Vinícius, “ He’s, he’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, La Liga, Girona, Liga, ” Real Madrid, Real Madrid's, Getty, Bellingham, Real Madrid TV Locations: Bellingham, AFP, Girona

The Champions League narrative is so often about Manchester City and Real Madrid. The past two champions of Europe were the only teams to sweep through the group stage with six wins. BONUS ENTRIESEvery result in the Champions League, plus the Europa League and Europa Conference League, also counts toward UEFA’s longstanding ranking table of each country’s collective performance. Each Champions League win for Inter, Napoli and Lazio is good for all Italian clubs doing well in Serie A. And so, the 29 games left in the Champions League through the June 1 final in London have great value beyond the 16 clubs directly involved.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Abu, Harry Kane’s, Kylian Mbappé, —, Madrid, ___ Organizations: Manchester City, Copenhagen, Everton, Champions League, Premier League, Liga, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern, Bundesliga, Lazio, Paris Saint, Germain, Real Sociedad, Inter Milan, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Inter, Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, Dortmund, Napoli, Barcelona, Porto, Arsenal, UEFA, FIFA, League, Chelsea, Benfica, Atletico, Spanish, Juventus, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Serie, —, Liverpool Locations: Real Madrid, Europe, Man, Madrid, Leipzig, Girona, Abu Dhabi, Bellingham, Paris, United States, Barcelona, Italy, Germany, Spain, Manchester, London

☆ French superstar Kylian Mbappé decides to join Real Madrid after PSG contract expires, per reports
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

According to ESPN, Mbappé has not informed PSG or Real Madrid of his decision but is expected to make an announcement next week. CNN has reached out to PSG, Real Madrid and Mbappé’s representation for comment. Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappé in action with Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon on November 28, 2023. Sarah Meyssonnier/ReutersMbappé, for his part, has flirted with Real Madrid year after year. “My father received a call from someone at Real Madrid, inviting me to come to Spain for a training session over the holiday break,” Mbappé told The Players’ Tribune.

Persons: Kylian, he’s, Germain, Le, Mbappé, –, de Cordée, “, ” Mbappé, David Beckham, Ronaldo Nazário, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Germain's Kylian, Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, Sarah Meyssonnier, Zinedine Zidane, ‘ Zidane, ’ ” Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, Paris Saint, PSG, Le Parisien, ESPN, Real, AS Monaco, peerless, Madrid swirled, The New York Times, ”, Blancos, Newcastle, Reuters, Players ’ Tribune Locations: French, Paris, Real Madrid, ” Real Madrid, Spain

☆ Casemiro: Manchester United star backs under pressure manager Erik ten Hag to ‘grow’ beleaguered club
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Amanda Davies | Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester United star midfielder Casemiro believes manager Erik ten Hag can still “grow” the English club, despite enduring a turbulent season so far. “Of course, Manchester United always needs more and more and always needs to be winning but we showed last season that we are capable of achieving great things.”Casemiro joined Manchester United in August 2022. “I’m very happy at Manchester United,” he said. “With his experience he’ll return Manchester United to the highest possible level. “It was always my challenge to help my teammates and Manchester United keep growing and of course, as we all want, return the club to being the best in the world,” he added.

Persons: Casemiro, Erik ten Hag, “ I’m, CNN’s Amanda Davies, ”, Alex Ferguson’s, “, ” Casemiro, Ash Donelon, I’ve, Jim Ratcliffe, “ He’s, it’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, United, Premier League, Champions League, Brazil, Real Madrid, Manchester City Locations: Brazil, Dubai, “, Manchester, Opta, United, Real, Liverpool

☆ Barcelona manager Xavi announces he will leave Spanish giant at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Ben Morse | Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Barcelona manager Xavi announced on Saturday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Speaking after the team’s 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi said that he will depart on June 30 following the conclusion of the La Liga season. “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a ‘culer’, I cannot allow the current situation,” the 44-year-old told reporters, referencing the colloquial name for Barcelona fans. After Saturday’s loss, Barcelona sits in third place in the La Liga table and is 10 points behind league-leaders Real Madrid. Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge in 2022-23 and recently signed a two-year contract extension to remain as manager.

Persons: Xavi, …, ” Xavi, Al Organizations: CNN —, Villarreal, La Liga, Barcelona, Liga, Real Madrid, Spanish, Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Napoli, Leagues, Al, Sadd SC Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalan, Sadd

CNN —US and AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is used to hostility – passionate and aggressive crowds are part of the game after all. Instead, Italian soccer found itself in the midst of another alleged racism scandal – one that Musah was around to witness firsthand. “So it was really, really important that when we saw that, the whole team reacted great. Prior to joining Milan, Musah spent the first three years of his senior career with Spanish side Valencia. During a league match against Real Madrid in May last year, a Valencia fan subjected opposing forward Vinícius Jr. to persistent racist abuse.

Persons: Yunus Musah, “ We’re, ” Musah, Darren Lewis, Mike Maignan, Noah Okafor, Musah, Mike, “, ”, ” Maignan, Fabio Maresca, Maignan, Romelu, Vinícius, Pablo Morano, Reuters Musah, ” “, they’re, Omar Beckles, George Floyd, Germany's Leon Goretzka, Mike Lawrence, “ We’d, ’ ”, Milan Women’s Christy Grimshaw, You’ve, “ We’ll Organizations: CNN, US, AC Milan, Soccer, Serie, Udinese, Milan, ” Udinese, Serie A, Ciancaphoto, Udinese Calcio, Italian, Roma, Spanish, Real Madrid, Reuters, England’s, ’ Association, Getty, Milan’s, ” Locations: Italy, Lazio, “, Valencia, New York, London, England

☆ Manchester City: Under Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden says the world’s best soccer team feels ‘unbeatable’. Here’s why
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Callum Sutherland | Amanda Davies | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —For Manchester City star Phil Foden, two major influences have shaped his soccer career: his late grandfather and current manager Pep Guardiola. In his eight years at Manchester City, Guardiola has created a squad atmosphere that has been at the heart of the club’s success. The 23-year-old Phil Foden (C) has already won 14 trophies with Manchester City. From Stockport in Greater Manchester, Foden is a lifelong City fan and joined the club when he was just four years old. At home, in particular, Manchester City has dominated.

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