Football

Paris Saint-Germain's dominance continued unabated as they thrashed Montpellier 6-0 at the Parc des Princes, extending their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season. Coach Luis Enrique hailed the performance as "perfection," highlighting the team's collective brilliance.Bradley Barcola led the scoring with a brace, while Marco Asensio, Achraf Hakimi, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Lee Kang-in also found the net. The victory marked PSG's second six-goal performance in Ligue 1 under Luis Enrique, following their 6-2 triumph at Montpellier in March.Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, PSG's young squad, featuring several teenagers, displayed impressive verve and style. Joao Neves, a recent recruit from Benfica, made his first start, while Desire Doue, a member of France's Olympic silver-winning team, made his debut as a substitute.Luis Enrique praised the new signings, stating, "They are totally suited to our way of playing and I think they will all bring us a lot." He emphasized the team's versatility and eagerness to make history.PSG's financial superiority was evident against Montpellier, who have not signed any players this summer due to a decline in broadcast revenue. Montpellier coach Michel Der Zakarian acknowledged the gulf in quality, saying, "They were much stronger than us and dominated from beginning to end."The victory extends PSG's unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 to 16 games, dating back to last season. They have now scored 10 goals in their opening two matches, suggesting they will be a formidable force in their quest for an 11th French title in 13 seasons.

Kylian Mbappé's departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been marred by a financial dispute between the French striker and the club's Qatari owners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). Mbappé is claiming unpaid wages amounting to approximately €55 million, prompting him to file a complaint with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).The unpaid wages include three months of salary (April, May, and June), an "ethical bonus" for the same period, and the final installment of a €36 million signing bonus that was due in February. According to French newspaper Le Monde, PSG received an official notice from Mbappé's camp in mid-June.Mbappé's complaint was initially filed with the legal committee of the French Professional Football League (LFP), citing article 259 of France's professional football charter. The matter was subsequently referred to UEFA via the French Football Federation (FFF).The dispute has further strained the relationship between Mbappé and PSG, which ended on a sour note after the striker's seven-year stint at the club. Reports emerged of a verbal altercation between Mbappé and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.Mbappé has since joined Real Madrid, where he has made an immediate impact. He won the UEFA Super Cup in his first game and played a role in the team's 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their La Liga opener.The financial dispute between Mbappé and PSG highlights the complexities of player contracts and the potential for disputes when clubs fail to meet their obligations. It also raises questions about the financial management of PSG, which has spent heavily on player acquisitions in recent years.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) kicked off their Ligue 1 title defense with a resounding 4-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday. Despite the departure of star forward Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, PSG showcased their depth and resilience in their first competitive match of the season.South Korean winger Lee Kang-in opened the scoring for PSG within three minutes, but Le Havre equalized through Gautier Lloris in the second half. However, late goals from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and a Randal Kolo Muani penalty sealed the victory for the reigning French champions.PSG's substitutes played a pivotal role in the win, with Dembele, Barcola, and Kolo Muani all coming off the bench to make a significant impact. Joao Neves, who joined from Benfica for a hefty fee, also made his debut for PSG in the second half.Despite the comfortable scoreline, PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged areas for improvement. "We had highs and lows, but the substitutes did a lot of good for us," he said. "The final score disguises the fact that there are things to improve upon."PSG's victory highlights their strength in depth, with several young players stepping up to fill the void left by Mbappe. Ibrahim Mbaye, Yoram Zague, and Warren Zaire-Emery all started for PSG, showcasing the club's commitment to developing young talent.Le Havre, under new coach Didier Digard, showed promise but ultimately fell short against a more experienced and talented PSG side. They will be hoping to bounce back in their next match against Auxerre.PSG's next challenge will be a home match against Montpellier on August 13th. They will be aiming to continue their winning ways and establish themselves as the early frontrunners in the Ligue 1 title race.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) embarks on a new era without Kylian Mbappe, their former talismanic forward. The French champions have adopted a cautious approach in the transfer market, focusing on bolstering their squad rather than directly replacing Mbappe.Coach Luis Enrique has emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Mbappe, acknowledging that no single player can fill his void. Instead, PSG aims to compensate for his departure through collective effort and strategic signings.The club has invested heavily in young talent, acquiring Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves from Benfica and Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt. Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has also joined the ranks, providing competition for Gianluigi Donnarumma.Despite the influx of new faces, PSG has retained the core of its team from last season. Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, and Goncalo Ramos are expected to step up and contribute to the team's attacking prowess.The club's transfer strategy has shifted away from signing veteran stars, with captain Marquinhos likely to be the oldest member of the starting lineup. NBA star Kevin Durant's investment in PSG highlights the club's focus on building a sustainable future.PSG has opted for a low-key pre-season, with only two friendly matches played. Luis Enrique aims to have his team in peak condition for the start of the Champions League in September, when they may have added a new attacking option to their squad.

Kylian Mbappé's highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid is set to become official early next week, according to sources close to the negotiations. The French superstar, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30, has opted to join the Spanish giants after seven seasons in Paris.Mbappé's decision to leave PSG has been the subject of intense speculation for months, with Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunners for his signature. The 23-year-old forward has been a key figure for PSG, scoring 171 goals in 216 appearances and helping the club win four Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies.However, Mbappé has long expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, a club he has admired since childhood. The Spanish giants have been pursuing his signature for several years, and they are now set to finally land their man on a free transfer.If the move is announced as expected on Monday or Tuesday, Mbappé is unlikely to be presented in Madrid before the end of Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 to July 14. He is expected to remain with the France team, who are currently preparing for two Euro warm-up matches against Luxembourg and Canada.Mbappé's departure from PSG will be a significant blow to the French champions, who have relied heavily on his goals and creativity. However, the club is expected to receive a significant financial windfall from his transfer, which could be used to strengthen their squad in other areas.For Real Madrid, Mbappé's arrival will be a major boost to their attacking options. The Spanish giants have already signed Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer from Chelsea, and they are also reportedly close to completing a deal for Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.With Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Tchouaméni in their ranks, Real Madrid will be well-positioned to challenge for major honors next season. The trio will join a star-studded squad that already includes Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, and Luka Modrić.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has withheld Kylian Mbappe's April salary and a substantial bonus due to a financial dispute between the club and the player. Mbappe is set to leave the French champions at the end of the season, with Real Madrid reportedly his next destination.The decision to withhold Mbappe's salary stems from an agreement made last year, where the player agreed to waive part of a bonus due to him. However, sources close to the talks indicate that the discussions between the club and Mbappe remain "relaxed" and that there is hope for a positive resolution.The total amount of money owed to Mbappe is estimated to be around 80 million euros ($86.8m), including the unpaid salary and the bonus. PSG's decision to withhold these payments without prior notice or agreement has raised concerns.Mbappe's contract with PSG expires on June 30, and he has confirmed his departure after seven years at the club. The player had previously agreed to waive a significant bonus to be reinstated to the PSG squad after being frozen out at the beginning of the season.The total value of these bonuses is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million euros. Waiving this sum was seen as a way for Mbappe to help PSG recoup some money, given that they will not receive a transfer fee for his departure.However, sources indicate that Mbappe may have received the bonus in February. Mbappe signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2022, worth around 72 million euros before tax. Additionally, he received a signing-on fee of 150 million euros and a loyalty bonus of 70 million euros for the first year and 80 million euros for the second year.

Kylian Mbappe's illustrious chapter with Paris Saint-Germain came to a triumphant end as he bid farewell to the club with a French Cup triumph. The French superstar, whose contract expires this summer, expressed his pride in leaving with his "head held high" after PSG's 2-1 victory over Lyon in the final.Mbappe's departure has been widely anticipated, with Real Madrid heavily linked as his next destination. However, the 25-year-old remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that he would announce his decision "in good time.""I wanted to end things well with my club, with a trophy," Mbappe said. "I think there is a time for everything, and I will announce my future club in good time."Despite not scoring in the final, Mbappe leaves PSG as the club's all-time leading scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances. His seven-year spell in Paris has been marked by six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, and two League Cups, as well as a Champions League final appearance in 2020.Mbappe admitted to feeling emotional ahead of the match, knowing that it would be his last for PSG. "With the protocol before a Cup final, you have a lot of waiting around and so there is a lot of time to think," he said. "You think and so all the memories start to come back. There is all the nostalgia, and the thought that in 90 minutes it will all be over."Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Mbappe expressed gratitude for his time at PSG. "There are only good memories and now I can go out with my head held high, with a trophy as well, so I will only remember the positives," he said.Mbappe will now join the France squad to prepare for Euro 2024, where he will undoubtedly be one of the key players for Les Bleus.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) capped off a remarkable season by securing a domestic treble with a 2-1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in the French Cup final on Saturday. The Ligue 1 and French Super Cup champions dominated the first half at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, extending their record-breaking Cup title count to 15.Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for PSG in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Nuno Mendes to head home from close range. Fabian Ruiz doubled the advantage just minutes later, firing a shot from a tight angle that found the back of the net.Lyon fought back in the second half, with Jake O'Brien reducing the deficit with a towering header from a corner. However, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a superb save to deny Lyon an equalizer.Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who failed to find the net in his final game for the club, PSG held on to secure the victory. The French superstar leaves PSG with an impressive record of 256 goals in 308 appearances over his seven-year spell.PSG's triumph marks their first French Cup title since 2021 and completes a historic treble for the club. They have now won all three major domestic trophies in France this season, adding to their Ligue 1 and French Super Cup victories.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 2-1 victory over Nice in Ligue 1 on Wednesday, despite the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappe. The win effectively ended Nice's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.Mbappe, who is set to leave PSG at the end of the season, missed the match due to discomfort in his left hamstring. Other notable absentees for PSG included Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Randal Kolo Muani.PSG took the lead in the 18th minute through Bradley Barcola. Defender Yoram Zague doubled their advantage in the 29th minute, marking his 18th birthday with his first goal for the French champions.Nice responded with a goal from Mohamed-Ali Cho just past the half-hour mark. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Melvin Bard was sent off with 15 minutes remaining for a challenge on Barcola.The defeat leaves Nice four points behind Lille and Brest, who are battling for the third automatic Champions League qualifying spot. Nice are now guaranteed to finish fifth and will participate in the Europa League group stage next season.Meanwhile, Marseille's hopes of European qualification suffered a blow with a 1-0 loss at managerless Reims. Chancel Mbemba's own goal in the first half condemned Marseille to defeat, leaving them three points behind Lens and Lyon in the race for a Europa Conference League place.