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☆ 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

☆ Real Madrid secures controversial 3-2 comeback victory that left opponent Almería feeling ‘robbed’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Then, Hernández Maeso ruled out what appeared to be a legitimate Almería goal after Bellingham went down clutching his face in agony in another VAR intervention. All three of the major VAR incidents left Almería – rock bottom of La Liga and without a win all season – feeling aggrieved at the full-time result. Isabel Infantes/Reuters“We leave with the feeling that the match was robbed today, it’s that clear,” midfielder Gonzalo Melero told reporters after the match. “The penalty, the goal with [Vinícius’] hand that makes a motion, the disallowed goal for a duel. The title race continues next weekend when Real Madrid travels to Las Palmas and Girona faces Celta Vigo.

Persons: Largie, Edgar González’s, Francisco Hernández Maeso, Kaiky Fernandes Melo, Jude Bellingham, halve, Hernández Maeso, Bellingham, Dion Lopy, Vinícius Jr, ’, Dani Carvajal, Largie Ramazani, Isabel Infantes, Gonzalo Melero, “, Carlo Ancelotti, ”, Almería, ” Vinicius, Pierre, Philippe Marcou Organizations: CNN, Real, La Liga, Reuters, ” Real Madrid, Girona, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo Locations: Vinícius, AFP, Las Palmas

☆ How Girona became the unlikeliest challenger in La Liga
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Matias Grez | Patrick Snell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Founded in 1930, Girona plays its football at the modest 14,000-capacity Estadi Montilivi on the outskirts of a city that has a population of just 100,000. Girona was previously promoted to La Liga in 2017, spending only two seasons in Spain’s top flight before being relegated. David Ramos/Getty Images“I tell you what, why not?” Hunter said when asked if Girona can win the league. He’s young, he’s intelligent, he’s ambitious, he’s driven. Fran Santiago/Getty ImagesRegardless, Girona has earned the right to dream and Hunter says upsetting the odds and winning La Liga “would mean everything” to the club and its fans.

Persons: Leicester City’s, Semra Hunter, David Ramos, ” Hunter, they’ve, Atlético Madrid, “, Miguel Ángel Sánchez, Míchel, Fran Santiago, Ignasi, ”, “ It’s, Bagà, CNN Sport’s Patrick Snell, –, that’s, Hunter, Pau Barrena, He’s, he’s, let’s, Yan Couto, Yangel Herrera, Aleix García, Eric García, Artem Dovbyk, Pep Guardiola, Ancelotti, Atlético, Barça, “ It’s David, Goliath Organizations: CNN —, Spanish, Real Madrid, La Liga –, Spain isn’t, La Liga, Premier League, Real, Girona, Getty, Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Champions League, ”, Rayo Vallecano, Rayo, CNN, Atlético, City Football Group, Manchester City, Atletico, Pau, City, SC Dnipro, La Locations: Catalan, Spain, Spain isn’t Barcelona, Girona, La, Madrid, Spain’s, Atlético, Real Madrid, ” Girona, Saudi Arabia, Huesca, Atlético Madrid, Pau, AFP, Ukrainian, Real

☆ Vinícius Jr. scores first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid dominates Barcelona to win Spanish Super Cup
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Real Madrid claimed its 13th Spanish Super Cup with a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of arch-rival Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday. The result was sweet revenge for Madrid, which was defeated 3-1 by Barcelona in the 2023 edition of the tournament. “We wanted to win the final,” said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after the game. Real doubled its advantage three minutes later when Vinícius scored his second, sliding in to meet a low Rodrygo cross to leave Barcelona reeling. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesHowever, the moment of hope turned out to be fleeting as Vinícius completed his hat-trick only minutes later.

Persons: Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, “, ”, Carlo Ancelotti, “ Vinícius, Atlético, Robert Lewandowski, Barça’s, Ronald Araújo, Xavi, We’ll, ” Madrid, Vinícius, phenom Jude Bellingham, Iñaki Peña, Yasser Bakhsh, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, siu, Nassr –, Cristiano, ” Vinícius, Ferran Torres, Andriy Lunin, Torres, Lunin, Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Araújo, Giuseppe Cacace, João Félix Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Spanish, Los, Atlético Madrid, ”, Vinícius, King Saud University, Madrid, Lewandowski, Real, Barcelona, La Liga, Getty Locations: Barcelona, El Clásico, Madrid, ” Barcelona, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Pedri, AFP, Bellingham, Girona

☆ Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí win men’s and women’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday, while Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the annual soccer awards celebrating the best players in the men’s and women’s game. This [award] is also for you, I share it with you and with all of Argentina.”Barça and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony on October 30. “I’m very proud to receive the Ballon d’Or tonight. In both places, I have the best teammates next to me that make me better every day.”Aitana Bonmatí has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the first time. Barcelona Femení won Women’s Club of the Year for its standout year, which included three titles – Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League – and having a roster which included six Ballon d’Or Féminin nominees, including the winner, Bonmatí.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí, Féminin, Messi, Ballon, Erling Haaland, Germain, Kylian, “, I’ve, ”, David Beckham, Aitana, ” Messi, Odd Andersen, Diego Maradona, Diego, Maradona, ” Barça, Aitana Bonmati, Franck Fife, ” Bonmatí, Novak Djokovic, haven’t, ” Aitana Bonmatí, Javier Borrego, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Bonmatí’s, Salma Paralluelo, Jude Bellingham, Gerd Müller, Stefan Wermuth, Pep Guardiola’s, Barcelona Femení, d’Or Féminin, Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi, Argentina Ballon, Spain Gerd Müller, Striker, Emiliano Martínez, Socrates, Vinícius Jr Organizations: CNN, Argentina’s, Inter Miami star’s, Manchester City, Paris Saint, Inter Miami, Argentina –, Copa América, Getty, Argentina national, …, Copa, France Football, Barcelona, Liga, League, Wolfsburg, world’s, FC Barcelona, Europa Press, Chelsea, Roja, Bellingham, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, German, FA, Men’s Club, pipping Inter Milan, Women’s Club, Spanish, Women’s, League –, Norway Yashin, Aston Villa, Argentina Kopa, Real, Brazil Men’s Club, Year Manchester City Women’s Club Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Paris, Argentina, Qatar, Argentine, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, Barça, Spanish, Bellingham, Los, Madrid, El Clásico, Manchester, Istanbul, Bonmatí, Manchester City, Norway, Real Madrid, Brazil

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Barcelona board member writes then deletes derogatory social media post about Real Madrid star
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —FC Barcelona coach Xavi said that he hopes Saturday’s El Clásico can be played with “mutual admiration” after a board member at the club deleted a derogatory social media post about Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. Neither Real Madrid nor Vinícius have publicly commented on the tweet. Vinícius testified earlier this month in a Spanish court about a racist incident which took place in the Mestalla Stadium when Madrid played Valencia. Footage and pictures widely posted on social media show a man performing monkey gestures towards Vinícius during the match. CNN has contacted Real Madrid and Vinícius for comment.

Persons: Xavi, Saturday’s El, ”, Vinícius Jr, Miquel Camps, Vinícius, Camps, “, Real, Raphinha, Kevin Langley, We’ve, Saturday’s, Sevilla, Rafael Yuste, Movistar, Yuste, Rodrygo, Florentino Pérez Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Madrid’s Champions League, Sporting Braga, CNN, Los Blancos, Sevilla, Madrid, Valencia, Shakhtar Donetsk, La Liga, Real, Sevilla FC, ”, Shakhtar, Braga Locations: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Spain, Spanish, Arlington , Texas

☆ England downs Italy, 3-1, and leaves Azzurri in danger of not qualifying for another major tournament
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —England came back to beat Italy on Tuesday to book its spot at Euro 2024 and leave the reigning champion’s hopes of qualifying hanging by a thread. The result enacted a modicum of revenge for England, which lost to Italy in the same stadium in the Euro 2020 final two years ago. However, the defeat leaves Italy’s hopes of qualifying in the balance with the Azzurri on 10 points after six games, three points behind Ukraine which has 13 points after seven games. For a four-time world champion and the reigning European champion, not making it to Germany would signal another major failure. Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti said he thought his side didn’t deserve Tuesday’s result with the way it played.

Persons: champion’s, Gianluca Scamacca, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Italy’s, Luciano Spalletti, Naomi Baker, ” Spalletti –, Roberto Mancini, –, Kane’s, Jude Bellingham, – Bellingham, Gareth Southgate, “, Jude, ” Southgate, ” Organizations: CNN, Italy, Wembley, Lions, Ukraine, C, Italian men’s, England, Reuters, Real Madrid, Blancos, “ Locations: England, Italy, Germany, North Macedonia, European, Bellingham

☆ Jude Bellingham stars as Real Madrid defeats Napoli in the Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid continued its winning start in the Champions League by coming from behind to defeat Napoli 3-2 on Tuesday. Midfielder Jude Bellingham scored his eighth goal in nine appearances for Los Blancos after Vinícius Jr. had canceled out Leo Østigård’s opener for the home side. Alessandra Tarantino/APMadrid responded midway through the first half, Vinícius finishing well after Bellingham had intercepted Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s loose pass. Bellingham scores Real Madrid's second goal against Napoli. Francesco Pecoraro/Getty ImagesThe result puts Madrid top of Group C, three points ahead of Napoli and Braga.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, Leo Østigård’s, Piotr Zieliński’s, Alex Meret –, Federico Valverde –, “, ”, Carlo Ancelotti, Natan, Østigård, Leo Østigård, Napoli's, Alessandra Tarantino, Vinícius, Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s, Meret, Zieliński, Nacho, –, Francesco Pecoraro, André, Ancelotti, “ I’m, he’s, ” Ancelotti Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Champions League, Napoli, Madrid, AP, Real Madrid, Bellingham, Real, Braga, Portuguese, Union Berlin, ” Madrid, Osasuna, Fiorentina, Sunday Locations: Naples, AP Madrid, Bellingham, Madrid, Napoli, LaLiga

CNN —FC Barcelona and several of the soccer club’s current and former executives are officially being investigated as suspects for “the sustained crime of active bribery,” according to a court document obtained by CNN – the latest twist in an alleged improper payment scandal overshadowing Spanish soccer. The investigation relates to alleged improper payments made by Barcelona to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former leading refereeing official in Spain. The spokesperson declined to share more details about the search but said that no arrests are expected to be made. He added that in his opinion the payments “produced the desired effects on referees,” resulting in “consequent systemic corruption in … Spanish refereeing” affecting soccer in the country. CNN has reached out to Negreira via his company for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Persons: “, –, Javier Soriano, invoiced, Negreira, ” Judge Joaquín Aguirre López, Aguirre López, ”, Barça, Caso, Xavi, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Javier Tebas, Los Blancos, CNN’s Matt Foster Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, CNN, Spain’s Civil Guard, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Guardia Civil, An FC Barcelona, Caso, Spanish, AFP, Getty, Prosecutors, CTA, 1st, La Liga, Barcelona, Osasuna, Civil Guard, Real, Real Madrid, UEFA Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Guardia, Spanish, Real Madrid

☆ Real Madrid dominated by local rival Atlético Madrid in 3-1 derby loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —It was derby day delight for Atlético Madrid, which shocked arch-rival Real Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium in a comprehensive 3-1 victory. “I could have done better, maybe, that’s quite clear,” Ancelotti said after the match, according to Real Madrid. Half-time’s frustration quickly led way to second half blues as Atlético started the second 45 minutes even quicker than the first. Another ball in from the left, another header and another goal – Madrid had been rocked by the Colchoneros’ aerial threat. “The team wasn’t compact, especially in the first half and Atlético capitalized on that.

Persons: Atlético, Álvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann, Toni Kroos, Morata, Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modrić, Rodrygo, “, ” Ancelotti, I’ve, it’s, Ancelotti, Oscar del Pozo, Samuel Lino, Federico Valverde, David Alaba, Chelsea loanee Kepa, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Ñíguez, Frenchman, Diego Simeone’s, Kroos, Jan Oblak, Kepa, Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rüdiger, cynically, José María, – Madrid, Jose Breton, ” Organizations: CNN, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Metropolitano, Los, La Liga, –, Bellingham, “, Getty, Chelsea, Madrid, Spanish national, Girona, Barcelona Locations: Madrid, Real Madrid, AFP, ” Madrid

☆ Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid: Soccer’s never-ending transfer saga
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

This, of course, is Kylian Mbappé’s much discussed, potential move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid. The first time Real Madrid came calling for the boy from Bondy was when the forward was just 13 years old. Zinedine Zidane watches on as Mbappé plays against his Real Madrid team in 2019. I mean, that tells you the story through that.”Jude Bellingham (C) and Vinícius Júnior (R) are leading the next generation of Real Madrid stars. “The biggest failure for me would be that Real Madrid didn’t have a plan B if the Mbappé signing didn’t happen,” he adds.

Persons: Germain, Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, ” Mbappé, ‘ Zidane, ’ ”, Anthony Dibon, Blancos, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, France’s, “, ”, ” France's, Francois Mori, Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, it’s, Krasnoff, Bleus, –, de Cordée, Anne, Christine Poujoulat, ” Nabil Larbi, Billie Jean King’s, undesirables ’, PSG President Nasser Al, Kirill Kudryavtsev, David Beckham, Ronaldo Nazário, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Florentino Pérez, Álvaro Romeo, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham –, Dani Carvajal, I’m, ” Carvajal, ” Romeo, Romeo, he’s, ” Jude Bellingham, Vinícius, Jorge Guerrero, Merengues, Real, they’ve, Karim Benzema, Joselu Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, AS Monaco, Real Madrid, Real, Players ’ Tribune, French national, League, The New York Times, Getty, CNN Sport, peerless, Fifth, Stade de France, Stade France, French, PSG President, City, Spain Real Madrid, Madrid Locations: Paris, Real Madrid, Madrid, Bondy, Spain, France, Fifth Republic, Republic, AFP, Greater Paris, Mbappé, Cameroon, Algeria, Bondy’s, Japan, City of, Spanish, Real, Saudi Arabian, Ittihad

☆ Bellingham workload is only cloud on his horizon
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Bellingham is only 20 and already has very high-mileage at the top end of the game. Barring injuries Bellingham will face a huge workload this season and world players union FIFPRO has warned that he could be vulnerable to burnout if not managed properly. Only Rooney came anywhere close to Bellingham's total with 10,989 minutes while Lampard's total was 3,477 and David Beckham had not even managed 1,000 senior minutes before turning 20. "It is important for clubs and national teams to take a balanced approach when it comes to managing young players' workloads." Southgate will hope that Bellingham is given sufficient time to re-charge between now and the start of Euro 2024.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Blancos, Bellingham, FIFPRO, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Rooney, David Beckham, Southgate, I'm, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Real Madrid, Liga, Scotland, Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Southgate, Thomson Locations: England, Bellingham

☆ Carlos Alcaraz reaches fourth grand slam semifinal with comfortable US Open victory against Alexander Zverev
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive form at the US Open with a dominant 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. “I think they are at a level of their own at the moment,” Zverev told reporters after facing the Spaniard. The 20-year-old started to assert his superiority from there, breaking Zverev twice in the second set and at 4-4 in the third. “It’s difficult to even compete if you don’t have that.”A year after claiming his first grand slam title, Alcaraz will now contest his fourth major semifinal. “I think I’m more mature now,” he said when asked how he has changed over the past 12 months.

Persons: Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton, Djokovic, “, ” Zverev, Jude Bellingham, ”, Clive Brunskill, Jannik, Medvedev, Daniil, Andre Agassi’s Organizations: CNN —, Wimbledon, Real Madrid, US, Indian Wells Locations: York, Wimbledon

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo says his long-standing ‘rivalry’ with Lionel Messi is over
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | Vasco Cotovio | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? But according to Ronaldo himself, the “rivalry” between the pair has disappeared since they swapped European clubs for pastures new – Ronaldo moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi to Inter Miami in the US. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi. Ronaldo and Messi spent the height of their careers playing in Spain for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, which helped to heighten the rivalry between the players – and their fans. Messi also added 10 LaLiga titles and Ronaldo won two.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo don’t, Messi, They’re, Blancos, Ballon, – Ronaldo, “, ” Ronaldo, I’ve, ” Messi, Tim Nwachukwu, ”, “ It’s, Ahmed Yosri, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, Messi, Inter Miami, Portugal, Real Madrid, League, Spanish, MLS, Saudi Pro League, Reuters, “ Locations: Al, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Barcelona

☆ Jude Bellingham: Why Real Madrid has fallen in love with a 20-year-old Englishman
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu after vacating its home stadium due to building works was supposed to be a celebration for Madridistas but, as time ticked away, the Spanish giant was being pegged to a 1-1 draw by Getafe. Enter Jude Bellingham who, deep into added time, was fastest to a rebound off goalkeeper David Soria, prodded the ball into the net, and secured Madrid’s fourth consecutive victory – and his second late match-winner in a row. Already, Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring celebration in Real Madrid’s famous white shirt is omnipresent – after just four La Liga games, he has scored five goals, the most in the league. Bellingham is the second Real Madrid player in history – after club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – to score in his first four La Liga games. Bellingham has scored five goals and given one assist in his first four La Liga games for Real Madrid.

Persons: Santiago Bernabéu, Jude Bellingham, David Soria, –, tugged, “, Jude, Bellingham, ‘ Hey Jude ’, ”, Jude Bellingham’s, Cristiano Ronaldo –, Carlo Ancelotti, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, ” Bellingham, Alberto Gardin, Zinedine Zidane, Ancelotti, …, ” Ancelotti Organizations: CNN, Getafe, Real Madrid TV, La Liga, Bellingham, Real Madrid, €, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund Locations: Spanish, Bellingham, Real, Madrid’s

☆ Arda Güler: Real Madrid sign 18-year-old soccer sensation dubbed ‘Turkish Messi’
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid have signed 18-year-old soccer sensation Arda Güler from Turkish side Fenerbahçe, the Spanish club announced on Thursday. Güler is one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the sport and his signing was rumored to be a contest between numerous big-name teams. But Real eventually won the race to add his talent and potential to its squad, with Güler signing a six-year contract with the club. I also want to be a legend of Real Madrid. Güler is also a part of the Turkish national team squad, making his debut as a 17-year-old.

Persons: Arda Güler, Güler, Florentino Pérez, Lionel Messi, Turkish Messi, ”, Fenerbahçe, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien, Vinícius Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Real, Los, supremo, Argentine, Turkish, Lig, Turkish national team, Wales Locations: Spanish, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, Real’s, Madrid

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ Kylian Mbappé: What next for French superstar as questions over his PSG future rumble on?
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

On Thursday when questioned about his PSG future, he told reporters that Macron has no influence on his career. I’ve already answered, I’ve said that my objective is to stay at PSG, that’s my only option at the moment. Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar were unable to guide PSG to Champions League glory. Every team in the world would undoubtedly love to sign Mbappé, but his list of realistic suitors will be rather short. Regardless of the final outcome, love it or hate it this saga looks set to rumble on for the foreseeable future.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Mbappé, Neymar, ’ Mbappé, “, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, I’ve, – Mbappé, meekly, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Carl Recine, Erling Haaland, Edinson Cavani, Jude Bellingham, Karim Benzema, It’s, Real, Harry Kane, Frenchman, Kane, scupper, Christophe Simon Organizations: CNN, spurn Real, Paris Saint, PSG, AS Monaco, Real, Twitter, Reuters, Real Madrid, lowball PSG, Champions League, Ligue, Parc des Princes, Qatar Sports Investment, League, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United Locations: spurn Real Madrid, Los, Le, …, France, Paris, Real, Lens, Parc des, Al, Ittihad, Saudi Arabia, AFP

☆ Real Madrid dethroned as ‘Kings of Europe’ as the club looks to usher in new generation of stars
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Even before the full-time whistle blew in Manchester City’s 4-0 mauling in the Champions League semifinal Wednesday, Real Madrid players looked to have accepted their fate. To see a club like Real Madrid get put to the sword is always a surprise, but it’s even more shocking when you consider it was this team – in this competition. Luka Modrić has been one of the best players in the world during his time at Real Madrid. In truth, the chastening defeat against Manchester City has only amplified what madridistas already knew. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti looked on as his side lost 4-0 on Wednesday.

☆ Manchester City: Is 'unstoppable' team the best in the world?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

For years, this City team has dominated English football – winning four Premier League titles in the last five seasons – but it has failed to really stamp its authority in Europe. “I think that first half performance is one of the best I’ve ever seen,” former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told Sky Sports. The timing of it, in the Champions League semifinal, that felt like one of the biggest games ever at that stadium. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed a special night. Only one English team, Manchester United, has ever achieved the historic feat, but you’d be brave to bet against Manchester City in its current form.

☆ Champions League semi-final: Manchester City vs Real Madrid set for 'thrilling game' with final spot on the line
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —In perhaps the most eagerly anticipated club game of the season, Manchester City and Real Madrid go head-to-head for a place in the Champions League final on Wednesday. While Man City is the form team in Europe at the moment, Madrid has serious pedigree when it comes to the Champions League with five titles in the past nine years – and a record 14 overall. Erling Haaland (center) trains ahead of the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid. The Champions League is the one trophy that has so far eluded Pep Guardiola’s side, which fell short against Madrid in the semifinals last year and against Chelsea in the final the year before that. “We are not stupid to [not] know how important tomorrow’s game is, maybe one of the most important games since we have been here, we cannot deny that.

☆ Champions League semifinal: Can Real Madrid stop Manchester City, the 'best team in Europe?'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid and Manchester City face each other in a highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, pitting the defending champion against a team on a sensational run of form. Erling Haaland has broken record after record since arriving at the club last year and has scored 12 Champions League goals this season – four more than anyone else in the competition. It will be a difficult game against City because City is, at the moment, the best team in Europe,” former Madrid manager Fabio Capello told CNN Sport on Monday. Ancelotti admitted on Monday that City is a “more complete team” compared to last year, particularly with Haaland on the pitch. “We’re not setting out just to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable,” Ancelotti told reporters.

☆ Real Madrid concedes four goals in heavy defeat to Girona as La Liga title hopes fade
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid’s hopes of catching Barcelona at the top of La Liga were all but extinguished on Tuesday as Los Blancos suffered a shock 4-2 defeat to Girona. Valentín Castellanos had the match of his life, scoring all four goals in the victory to become the first player in more than 75 years to score four times in a single La Liga match against Real Madrid. Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty ImagesReal Madrid remains 11 points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga, but Xavi’s side can extend its lead to 14 points with victory over Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday. Real Madrid could concede more ground to Barça in the title race. Vinícius replied to a description of the incident on Twitter with “La Liga” accompanied by two sweating emojis.

☆ Real Madrid eases past Celta de Vigo 2-0 to put pressure on Barcelona
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid eased past Celta de Vigo 2-0 on Saturday in what was a relatively calm and assured performance for Los Blancos to cut Barcelona’s lead atop La Liga to eight points ahead of Atlético Madrid’s visit to the Camp Nou on Sunday. Vinícius Jr. proved a dangerous threat to Celta throughout the match, including getting his 17th assist of the season across all competitions. Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesThe 1-0 marked Asensio’s 11th goal of the season in all competitions and Vinícius’ 17th assist across all competitions. In the 48th minute, Asensio took a great corner into the area, where an on-rushing Militão powered a header into the bottom left corner for his fifth league goal of the season past a helpless Villar. Militão puts his powerful header into the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-0.

☆ A corruption scandal, accusations of favoritism and Franco’s regime: Real Madrid and Barcelona in war of words over Spain’s fascist past
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

More than eight weeks after the scandal emerged, FCB President Joan Laporta went out to bat for the Catalan club on Monday. General view of Estadio Santiago Bernabeu prior to the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF on April 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. But Laporta finished by saying that Real Madrid is “a club considered the team of the regime,” a reference to the club’s reported historic ties with Franco during his fascist dictatorship. “We are talking about a club [Real] that has historically close ties to political, financial and sporting power,” Laporta said. In total, Real won 14 league titles to Barcelona’s eight under Franco, while the Blaugrana won nine Copas del Generalísimo to Real Madrid’s six.

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