More stories

  • in

    Neymar gives thumbs up from hospital bed as PSG striker shares update after ankle surgery in latest injury nightmare

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Neymar has undergone ankle surgery after being ruled out for the rest of the season.The forward has been sidelined since February when he hurt his foot in a Ligue 1 game against Lille and was stretchered off in tears.
    Neymar has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injuryCredit: Reuters
    Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar gave the thumbs up to the camera after surgeryCredit: AFP
    The Brazil international went under the knife at Aspetar, which is PSG’s official medical partner, in Doha this afternoon.
    The operation was a success and the 31-year-old gave the thumbs up to the camera afterwards.
    Neymar is still expected to miss the rest of the campaign but there was a positive update.
    The ex-Barcelona star was spared the risk of suffering from a recurrence of the injury.
    Read More on Football
    The operation was supervised by Aspetar CMO Professor Peter D’hooghe, renowned ankle surgeon Pierre James Calder and Brazil’s national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
    Neymar’s injury has seen Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe partnering up front together in a new-look 3-5-2 formation.
    But that hasn’t helped as PSG suffered yet another Champions League exit in the Round of 16.
    Christophe Galtier’s men were knocked out by Bayern Munich after losing 2-0 at the Allianz Arena.
    Most read in France Ligue 1
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The 20-year-old Hugo Ekitike is the only other senior forward at Galtier’s disposal.
    Neymar has suffered several injuries since his world-record £198million move to PSG from Barca in 2017.
    In fact, the Brazilian has missed over 100 games for the reigning French champions with his debut campaign being brought to a premature end by a broken metatarsal.
    The ex-Santos star suffered a similar injury in 2019 and was then sidelined due to hamstring trouble in the 2019-2020 campaign.
    Adductor and ankle issues have become common since then for the versatile attacker. More

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe gifts record-breaking PSG shirt to Ignatius Ganago just two weeks after Nantes stars daughter, 5, dies

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Kylian Mbappe has gifted his record-breaking shirt to Ignatius Ganago after his daughter passed away. The Nantes striker’s five-year-old child died two weeks ago following an illness.
    Kylian Mbappe exchanged his record-breaking shirt with Ignatius GanagoCredit: @EspoirsduFoot
    Mbappe became PSG’s all-time top goalscorer and was presented with an awardCredit: Getty
    Ignatius Ganago’s daughter passed awayCredit: Getty
    It was the player’s second game back after the tragedy and Mbappe offered his support.
    PSG won 4-2 with the Frenchman netting in the 92nd minute to become the club’s all-time top goalscorer.
    It was his 201st strike and he has overtaken the record held by Edinson Cavani.
    Mbappe approached Ganago, who netted his side’s second of the match, in the tunnel after the full-time whistle.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The pair embraced before they swapped shirts and shook hands.
    On breaking the record after playing just a total of 247 games, Mbappe said he was relaxed and knew his achievement would come: “I wasn’t putting any pressure on myself, I knew I would beat it and I didn’t want to force it.
    “It’s great that the goal came at the end. Playing here is a privilege, I’ve improved as a player, I’ve changed a lot.
    “Playing at PSG is special for me. If you told me I would score with the captain’s armband on to break the record, I wouldn’t have believed it.
    Most read in Football
    “It’s a personal achievement, but I’m here for collective achievements. I’d like to thank my team-mates, coaches, the management and the supporters, who’ve given me everything here.”
    The win over Nantes at home sent PSG 11 points clear at the top of the table with goals from Lionel Messi, Danilo Pereira and an own goal from Jaouen Hadjam.
    Mbappe will be hoping to get his hands on a fifth league title with the Parisians this season. More

  • in

    PSG ace Achraf Hakimi charged with rape after ‘inviting woman to his home while wife Hiba Abouk & kids were on holiday’

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Achraf Hakimi has been charged with rape.French prosecutors confirmed the Morocco defender, 24, is facing formal charges this morning.
    Achraf Hakimi has been charge with rapeCredit: AFP
    The alleged incident involving PSG’s Moroccan star happened on February 25Credit: AFP
    On Thursday, it was reported that the PSG star was questioned by prosecutors in connection with accusations from a 24-year-old woman.
    Now Hakimi, 24, has been subsequently charged, prosecutors told AFP.
    The alleged attack happened when he reportedly invited a woman to his home in the suburbs of Paris while his wife and kids were on holiday on February 25.
    His alleged victim went into a police station on Sunday to say that had been raped by the PSG player but did not wish to file a complaint.
    READ MORE ON PSG
    Prosecutors launched an investigation due to the seriousness of the allegations.
    According to Le Parisien, the ex-Real Madrid, Dortmund, and Inter Milan ace began talking to the woman on January 16 on Instagram.
    He allegedly then invited her to his home in Boulogne on Saturday, reportedly ordering her an Uber to transport her.
    Hakimi’s wife – actress Hiba Abouk – is currently holidaying in Dubai with their young two sons.
    Most read in Football
    His accuser claims that after arriving at his home, the footie star began kissing her on the mouth while lifting her clothes.
    She alleged he sexually assaulted her before she finally managed to free herself after kicking Hakimi and then texting a friend to pick her up.
    Hakimi’s lawyer described the accusations as “false” earlier this week.
    The Morrocan ace met his wife Hiba in 2018 when he was at Dortmund, seeing her relocate from Madrid.
    Twelve years his senior, she made her name in the Spanish crime drama El Principe, and like Hakimi, she is a devout Muslim.
    The pair share similar stories – she was born in Madrid to parents who had emigrated from Tunisia.
    They got married in a secret wedding in 2020 before welcoming their first son, while their second child was born in 2022.
    Back in October, with the World Cup on the horizon, they appeared in a stunning shoot in Vogue Arabia.
    Hakimi was credited for helping his national team reach the historic semi-final sport in the 2022 tournament. More

  • in

    Steven Gerrard tipped to become new PSG boss in shock move as Liverpool legend looks for new job after Aston Villa axe

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN should look at appointing Steven Gerrard as their next manager, according to former Liverpool star Gregory Vignal.Gerrard, 42, was sacked by Aston Villa back in October after less than 12 months in the job.
    Steven Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa earlier this seasonCredit: Getty
    Gregory Vignal, right, spent five years playing for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
    He departed following a run of six defeats in 11 matches with Villa just one place above the Premier League’s relegation zone.
    Since then, successor Unai Emery has lifted them up to 11th in the table, 10 points adrift of danger.
    Yet despite an underwhelming stint in the Midlands, Vignal, who worked as a coach under Gerrard at Rangers, has backed his former team-mate to return to management in the near-future.
    And the ex-Reds left-back, 41, who won the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his spell at Anfield between 2000 and 2005, has named PSG as a potential destination.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Speaking to The Scottish Daily Express, he said: “I’m pretty sure that Steven is ready to crack on again. I think he is strong enough mentally to start a new project.
    “Why not Paris Saint-Germain? They have been talking about him.
    “I am sure he can get a good job soon whether that is in the Premier League or abroad.”
    Christophe Galtier is the current PSG boss after taking over from Mauricio Pochettino last summer.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The French champions sit eight points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
    But they are in danger of being eliminated from the Champions League in the last-16 following a 1-0 first-leg loss at home to Bayern Munich.
    The second leg of the tie takes place on Wednesday, March 8. More

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe filmed telling fan which Italian club he would make transfer to if he left PSG

    PARIS-SAINT GERMAIN star Kylian Mbappe has been filmed telling a fan who his next club could be. The Frenchman was asked if he left the Ligue 1 team, which Serie A side would take his fancy.
    Kylian Mbappe was asked what Italian side he would join if he left PSG
    Mbappe’s contract does not expire at PSG until 2025Credit: Getty
    Mbappe did not have to think about his answer, swiftly responding: “If I came it’s only AC Milan.”
    He was asked the question by a fan at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony.
    The 24-year-old did not win the trophy for top player as it went to his PSG team-mate Lionel Messi after his World Cup triumph.
    Mbappe did however make the FIFPRO World XI for the best team of 2022.
    READ MORE ON MBAPPE
    He managed to squeeze into the side alongside other attackers Erling Haaland, Karim Benzema and Messi in a side some fans believe is unbalanced.
    Mbappe is enjoying yet another stellar season with PSG, netting 29 goals in the same number of games in all competitions.
    He is continuing his fine form on from the World Cup where he scored eight goals in seven matches.
    Mbappe’s contract in Paris does not expire until the summer of 2025 and it is unclear whether he would choose Milan over Real Madrid in the future.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Los Blancos tried to sign him before but he ended up staying to sign a contract worth half a billion at PSG.
    Although there has been rumours that Mbappe wants to leave the club as soon as next year.
    Milan currently sit third in Serie A and face Tottenham next week in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, the Italians currently lead 1-0. More

  • in

    Lionel Messi equals Cristiano Ronaldo tally as he wins Fifa The Best Men’s Player award for 2022 after World Cup heroics

    LIONEL MESSI continued his stellar season after being named World player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards in Paris tonight.The Paris Saint-Germain star, 35, crowned his career by leading Argentina to their first World Cup since 1986 in December and scooped a second Best men’s player title here.
    Messi has won FIFA’s The Best AwardCredit: Reuters
    Lionel Messi was joined by his wife AntonelaCredit: Getty
    Messi exchanges a look with his PSG team-mate Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
    The pair pose with their FIFPRO World XI awardsCredit: Reuters
    Man Utd ace Casemiro jetted to Paris for the ceremony with his WagCredit: AFP
    Man City ace Joao Cancelo, on loan at Bayern Munich, was also at the doCredit: Reuters
    Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez and his wife were in attendanceCredit: Reuters
    The Argentina World Cup winner picked up the Best Goalkeeper awardCredit: Reuters
    England star Mary Earps picked up the Women’s Goalkeeper award after helping the Lionesses to Euro gloryCredit: Getty
    Fellow England star Beth Mead was also at the glitzy ceremonyCredit: Getty
    But Mead was snubbed for the Best Women’s Player award, which went instead to Alexi PutellasCredit: Getty
    Messi, who scored twice in the final against France, also won the Golden Ball in Qatar, having claimed the Ligue 1 title with PSG earlier in the year. His 12 league goals this season have helped the champions to an eight point lead in defending their title this term.
    Messi, whose Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was named as the best men’s coach ahead of Pep Guardiola, pipped PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema to the award.
    Messi has now won two ‘The Best’ awards, meaning he is level with Robert Lewandowski and his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo who have also been honoured twice.
    The former Barcelona man also now has ten individual gongs across both the FIFA Best, Ballon d’Or and FIFA player of the year awards, two more than Ronaldo.
    Read More on Lionel Messi
    He said: “It is an amazing pleasure to be here, alongside Benzema and Mbappe, who had a wonderful year.
    “It was an amazing year and I achieved a dream that I had been hoping for for so long.
    “I want to pay tribute to all of my teammates and my coach, without them I wouldn’t be here.”
    The star attended the exclusive bash alongside his wife Antonela and a host of fellow stars.
    Most read in Football
    Kylian Mbappe was there with his dad Wilfried and was named in the FIFPRO World XI alongside Messi, but lost out on the Best Player award to his PSG team-mate.
    Prem stars including Emi Martinez – who won Best Goalkeeper – and Casemiro and Virgil van Dijk, both also named in the Team of 2022, attended with their other halves.
    In the Women’s game, England boss Sarina Wiegman and Manchester United’s Mary Earps won best women’s coach and goalkeeper respectively following their Euro 2022 glory last summer.
    Earps said: “I don’t really know what to say, thank you to everyone who voted for me. I feel really honoured to be holding this really heavy trophy. I want to say thank you to my loved ones who have picked me up off the kitchen floor to be here today, not today but in the past.
    “This is for anyone who has ever been in a dark place. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. There’s only one of you in the world, be unapologetically yourself.”
    Wiegman, winning the award for a third time, added: “The Euros were incredible, as the English say we brought it home.”
    Meanwhile Beth Mead was pipped to the best women’s award by Alexia Putellas but she was named in the women’s World XI alongside three Lionesses teammates, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh.
    Other huge names at the star-studded do in Paris included Brazil legend Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Arsene Wenger, Joao Cancelo and, of course, FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
    Jermaine Jenas was there to host the event – which left fans hugely impressed with the job of his agent.
    As many had expected beforehand, the night belonged to Messi, who has been enjoying yet another record-breaking season for both club and country.
    Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign he has recorded an incredible total of 17 goals and 16 assists in 28 appearances for PSG.
    And he also managed to finally get his hands on the only trophy to have eluded him previously – the World Cup.
    Messi led his Argentina teammates to glory in Qatar last year and claimed the prestigious Player of the Tournament Award in the process.
    His red-hot form has continued into 2023 with PSG in pole position to retain their Ligue 1 title.
    Messi left fans stunned when he scored his 700th career club goal on Sunday.
    Read More on The Sun
    He netted once for PSG during the club’s 3-0 win over Marseille and claimed the assist for both of Mbappe’s goals.
    So it hardly came as a surprise to fans when he took to the stage in Paris to accept ‘The Best’ award.
    Virgil van Dijk, who was named to the FIFPRO World XI, was at the event with his familyCredit: Getty
    Jermaine Jenas hosted the FIFA Best ceremonyCredit: Getty
    Mbappe showed up to the Paris bash with his dad WilfriedCredit: Reuters
    Former Premier League ace Dimitri Payet was on the green carpet with his wifeCredit: Reuters
    FIFA President Gianni Infantino was, of course, presentCredit: AP
    Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on the green carpetCredit: Getty
    Brazil legend Ronaldo made an appearanceCredit: AP
    Ex-Chelsea star Didier Drogba was also thereCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Watch Lionel Messi score 700th career club goal in huge PSG win over Marseille as Argentine breaks another record

    LIONEL MESSI made history once again as he netted his 700th club career goal.The 35-year-old Argentine World Cup winner bagged a goal and two assists to help Paris Saint-Germain beat Marseille 3-0.

    Lionel Messi scored his 700th club career goalCredit: Getty
    He has reached the feat after 840 gamesCredit: AFP
    After setting up the opener for speed demon Kylian Mbappe, the Frenchman then returned the favour.
    Picking up the ball on the left wing, Mbappe then played a wonderfully weighted pass into the penalty area for Messi to run on to and tap in club goal number 700.
    The goal sees Messi join GOAT rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other player to reach the milestone, with the Portuguese reaching the mark after scoring for Manchester United against Everton.
    However, while Ronaldo still holds the record with 709 goals following his move to Al-Nassr, Messi achieved the feat far quicker and completely in top five European leagues.
    READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSI
    Messi took 840 games to reach the 700 goal milestone, while Ronaldo did it after 943 games.
    The breakdown of Messi’s phenomenal record sees him with a whopping 672 goals to his name from his time at Barcelona, before adding the final 28 since joining PSG.
    Fans online praised Messi’s achievement and declared him to be the GOAT.
    One fan said: “The greatest of all times by some distance. No more Pele and Maradona comparison because Messi completed the football in every aspect of the game.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    A second declared: “THE GOAT.”
    A third wrote: “Messi is the greatest player the world has ever known.”
    Messi is expected to be named as Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player for the second time after the winner was allegedly leaked online.
    Meanwhile, a fourth highlighted the importance of Mbappe in the goal, adding: “Messi and Mbappe duo is scary.”
    Mbappe, 24, made his own history with his brace of goals supplied by Messi as he went level with Edinson Cavani as PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer on 200 goals.
    The 3-0 win is also significant for the Ligue 1 title race, with the Parisians now moving eight points clear at the top of the table. More

  • in

    PSG star Presnel Kimpembe out for season after undergoing emergency surgery on ruptured Achilles injury

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have confirmed that defender Presnel Kimpembe is out for the remainder of the season.Kimpembe, 27, missed the World Cup last November-December through injury and returned to action for PSG earlier this month.
    Presnel Kimpembe was injured early on in Sunday’s crunch clash with MarseilleCredit: AFP
    The defender was taken off on a stretcherCredit: Reuters
    Kimpembe requires surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendonCredit: AP
    However, the defender’s return lasted less than a month after he ruptured his Achilles tendon against Marseille on Sunday.
    Kimpembe was withdrawn after 16 minutes at Stade Velodrome.
    The Frenchman was tracking back to stop Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares when the injury occured.
    The injury saw Kimpembe stretchered off and he was replaced by Danilo Pereira.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And the PSG ace will require surgery on the tendon in the coming days.
    PSG said in a statement: “Presnel Kimpembe has ruptured his right Achilles tendon.
    “He will undergo surgery to repair the tendon in the coming days.”
    PSG went on to win Le Classique 3-0 thanks to a brace by Kylian Mbappe and a goal by Lionel Messi.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The match also saw manager Christophe Galtier get involved in a spat with a Marseille fan.
    Galtier and the fan spat words of fury at each other across the subs bench.
    Kimpembe is out for the remainder of the seasonCredit: Getty More