France Ligue 1

NABIL BENTALEB scored just four minutes into his first appearance since suffering a cardiac arrest last June.The former Tottenham star, 30, now plies his trade for his hometown club Lille in Ligue 1.Nabil Bentaleb celebrates scoring on his first appearance of the seasonCredit: AFPThe midfielder, 30, was mobbed by the Lille benchCredit: RexPrior to last night’s match, Bentaleb had not played since featuring in a World Cup qualifier for Algeria on June 10 last year, having suffered with a cardiac arrest later that month.He was subsequently fitted with a defibrillator by the same heart specialist that treated his former Spurs team-mate Christian Eriksen.Following eight months of rehab, Bentaleb was cleared to return to action by the French Football Federation last Wednesday.Having returned to full training, the all-action midfielder was named as a substitute for Lille’s trip to Rennes on Sunday evening.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruno Genesio’s side went into the match having endured a shock home defeat to lowly Le Havre last weekend.While their hosts had won their first two matches under their new boss, former Newcastle and Aston Villa full-back Habib Beye.With the score level at 0-0, Bentaleb was called upon to replace Ngal’ayel Mukau in the 76th minute.Barely four minutes later, the returning star was on the scoresheet – stabbing home the rebound after Brice Samba had saved Chuba Akpom’s header.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBentaleb was back in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AlamyBentaleb ran to the bench in celebration, being mobbed by his thrilled team-mates in the process.Things got even better on 86 minutes, with Akpom scoring Lille’s second to secure a 2-0 victory on Bentaleb’s return.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winSpeaking after the match, boss Genesio said: “It’s worthy of a film. He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself.”It’s an incredible, wonderful story.”Nabil’s goal put us on cloud nine, it’s hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season – and in Nabil’s mind, of course.”Prior to Bentaleb’s introduction, it had looked as if it may not be Lille’s day in front of goal.Akpom had been denied from the penalty spot, before having a goal disallowed for an extremely narrow offside.Rennes defender Christopher Wooh was sent off on 74 minutes, receiving a yellow card for bundling the forward over.READ MORE SUN STORIESLille’s victory saw them rise back above in Lyon into fifth in the Ligue 1 table, just two points off the Champions League places.They will return to action this Saturday when they host AS Monaco.Bentaleb was awarded man of the match for his goalscoring cameoThe popular returning star was celebrated by Lille’s fans at the end of the matchCredit: AFP More

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S rivals Paris FC are moving into a 19,000-capacity stadium right next to the Parc des Princes following complaints from Jurgen Klopp about their atmosphere.The French minnows currently play in Ligue 2 and are hoping to seal promotion to the top flight this summer.Paris FC are set to move into a stadium right next to PSG’s Parc des PrincesCredit: AFPThe Ligue 2 side will play at the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin from next seaasonCredit: AFP – GettyRed Bull chief Jurgen Klopp felt that Paris FC needed to move to improve their atmosphereCredit: GettyParis FC hope to improve their standing at their new homeCredit: GettyBut should they enter Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season, Paris FC will end up having an incredible derby with city rivals PSG.That’s because they are set to move into the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin, which located right next to PSG’s Parc des Princes.The fancy arena is currently used by rugby side Stade Francais.However, they will share it with Paris FC from next season, with a deal agreed until 2029.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second-tier side have been playing at Stade Charlety this term, which is located to the south of Paris and has a capacity of 20,000.But fans are not happy with it due to it mainly being used as an athletics stadium.Seats are located far away from the pitch.And nobody was more displeased after a visit than Liverpool legend Klopp.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe German now works as Global Head of Football at Red Bull.They became minority investors in Paris FC late last year.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Paris FC currently play away from the city centre at the Stade CharletyCredit: AFPIt is primarily an athletics stadium and features the pitch far away from the crowdCredit: GettyStade Jean-Bouin has a more modern look to itCredit: GettyIt is also the home of top rugby side Stade FrancaisCredit: GettyAnd Klopp went to visit Stade Charlety to see them in action.But after being treated to the incredible atmospheres of Anfield and Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, Paris FC were found lacking.Klopp said: “The stadium is a stadium where you cannot create an atmosphere.“It is long ago since I watched a game from that far and I was in the stadium rather than in front of the TV.”As a result, Paris FC will now play at the Stade Jean-Bouin and will be hoping to become their city’s dominant side should they win promotion this term.Owner Antoine Arnault said: “Reaching this agreement to play at Jean-Bouin from next season was a priority for my family to offer our supporters, partners and spectators a perfect setting to see Paris FC teams.” More

LIGUE 1 fired a savage six-word response at Cristiano Ronaldo following his brutal comments about France’s top league.The Portuguese legend made a disparaging remark about the competition while collecting several prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards.Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about Ligue 1 have come back to haunt himCredit: GettyRonaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, was crowned both ‘Best Player in the Middle East’ AND ‘Top Scorer of All Time’ at last week’s event.The 39-year-old striker is the top name in the Saudi Pro League following a move there two years ago.Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after having his Manchester United deal terminated following a major row with Erik ten Hag.And after netting 80 goals in 89 games for his new side, the three-time Premier League winner made a bold statement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccepting his awards, ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo declared that the Saudi Pro League was making major strides to catch Europe’s top divisions.But in his eyes, it is already better than France’s Ligue 1.The competition boasts numerous top names including Marseille, Monaco and Lyon.However, Ronnie reckons it is simply a one-team league due to the dominance of moneybags Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking on stage, Ronaldo said: “The Saudi league is better than Ligue 1.“In France, only PSG exists — the rest are finished. If you don’t believe me, try running in 39 or 40 degrees and see.”Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsRonaldo’s comments have come back to haunt him though.The ace is yet to win a title in Saudi and so far has just a single Arab Club Champions Cup to his name.And Ligue 1’s Spanish X account fired back at Ronaldo’s comments by posting a picture of rival Lionel Messi.The snap showed Inter Miami’s forward in an Argentina shirt kissing the World Cup after winning two years ago in Saudi’s neighbour Qatar.A caption read: “Leo Messi playing in 38 degrees.”Fans reacted in amazement to the response.One said: “I’ve been waiting for you to post this.”Another declared: “Admin hold this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The GOATS.”Another added: “No shame.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

A FORMER Manchester United star tried to go incognito to watch a Ligue 1 clash.But he was instantly spotted by fans. A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneHe wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe ex-Red Devils man took his seat amongst the supporters for Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.Will Still’s side took the lead on 66 minutes but their lead lasted just four minutes before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised.Luis Enrique’s men prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the last 32. And that left the defender in disguise gutted.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe World Cup winner decked himself out in a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face.He completed the look with a matching beanie hat and a black coat. But it did not take long for fans to work out who it was.Especially because the superstar came through as a youngster at the club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe shone in the first team to earn himself a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs in 2011 – then joined United a decade later.But have you worked out who the mystery footballer is?OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterIt is none other than Raphael Varane.Varane, 31, spent ten years at Real Madrid following his transfer from Lens, winning four Champions Leagues.But things did not work out so well for the 93-cap France international at Old Trafford as he struggled for form and fitness amid the club’s ongoing woes.Varane headed to Cosmo in the summer on a two-year deal but sustained a knee injury and opted to retire.After his secretive trip to watch Lens, days after helping to conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 draw, the local hero posted the snaps on Instagram – including selfies with the adoring Lens faithful.He captioned the Instagram upload: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand ❤️💛’RECOGNISE THOSE EYES'”Love football, the emotions. This is what it is all about!!” Plenty of fans were loving Varane’s undercover fiesta of festive football.One said: “Love you Raph.”Another wrote: “Legend.”A third added: “I recognise those eyes haha.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth replied: “Bro is enjoying retirement.”And a final user joked: “Varane dressing like a hooligan.”Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyHe spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: GettyHe helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP More

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left bloodied and bruised after suffering a horrendous facial injury during a crunch clash with Monaco.PSG face Monaco in a crucial Ligue 1 match at Stade Louis II, but the visitors lost their keeper early in the first half after a blood-curling challenge.Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a horrendous injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma suffered the injury during PSG’s Ligue 1 match at MonacoCredit: AFPMonaco’s Wilfried Singo stepped on Donnarumma’s faceCredit: AFPThat reckless challenge could have blinded PSG star DonnarummaCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off after that horror injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma’s cheek had been sliced open by the studsCredit: ReutersDonnarumma later shared a photo on X of his face with ten staples on his woundsWilfried Singo broke down the right flank and looked to beat Donnarumma, 25, while under pressure by Joao Neves.Singo, 23, fired a weak shot that was blocked by the Italy international and the Monaco ace then tried to jump over his opponent.However, the Ivory Coast international caught Donnarumma’s face – studs first – with his right foot.The Italian star was left bleeding with an awful wound on his face.Read More on FootballAnd PSG boss Luis Enrique had no other option but to take him off the pitch and replace him with back-up keeper Matvei Safonov after just 22 minutes.Singo was already on a yellow after a rough challenge on Desire Doue just nine minutes earlier.But shockingly enough, the referee opted against booking the Ivorian again.That is despite the fact Donnarumma was left with a devastating wound just a few inches away from his right eye, which could have led to something far worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Italian shared the full extent of his facial injury after receiving staples in the dressing room.Fans were left devastated and stormed social media claiming the ex-AC Milan star could have been blinded by Singo’s reckless challenge – that was no punished by a yellow or red card.Gianluigi Donnarumma didn’t celebrate after saving Bukayo Saka’s penalty as he didn’t know he had just won Euro 2020One fan tweeted: “Singo is already on a yellow card and this leap, while it was a collision, was incredibly reckless play and it could have taken Donnarumma’s eye off to be honest. Singo is on thin ice right now.”Another commented: “Donnarumma is 2cm away from losing his eye.”A third wrote: “Donnarumma’s injury tonight is scary.”This fan said: “Donnarumma is literally DISFIGURED.”And that one stated: “Gigio Donnarumma’s face… But it doesn’t even deserve a yellow card… Mind-blowing.” More