#leo and kylian make an appearance!!

[kevjrr]

Not smutty, but Zlatan/Neymar would be such a cute domestic ship too. Neymar would steal all of Zlatan's clothes, especially jumpers and sweaters, because he adores drowning in overlarge clothes fr. Zlatan is never able to return the favour bc Ney's clothes are way too small for him. Zlatan always helps Ney get down stuff from the top shelf, and all defenders are too scared to tackle Ney during matches, lest they face his boyfriend's wrath! Zlatan is always randomly picking up Neymar too. Ugh height difference couples are so cute dammit 🥰🥰

When you give me such cute ideas I HAVE to write!!

1. Neymar wanders around his house aimlessly. He has nothing to do. He cannot even annoy his boyfriend, since he’s asleep.

He absentmindedly plays with his sweater paws and huffs before turning around only to bump into a wall. The wall being his boyfriend, Ney realized as he looked up at Zlatan’s tired face.

“Sorry.” He said sheepishly smiling up at him.

The taller man only murmurs incoherently in response. He then wraps his arms around the Brazilian, and pulls him into a hug, tucking his face into his neck.

Neymar smiles at the rare display of cuteness.

The older man murmurs something against his shoulder.

“Huh?”

He lifts his face up and repeats himself,“You’re wearing my sweater again.”

“They’re comfy.” Ney shrugs.

“And your thousand dollar costing ones aren’t?”

“Not as much as yours are” He replies, cheekily smiling at Zlatan who raises an eyebrow before sighing in resignation and tucking his face into his neck again.

They stay like this for a while, relishing each other’s warmth when Ney hears the other man mumble again. Except this time, he hears him loud and clear.

“Don’t stop.”

2. “Will you stop staring at that jar of nutella already? Do you think you’ll spontaneously develop telekinesis?” Kylian asks, smiling mockingly at his idiot of a best friend. His smile turns into a prideful one when Leo has to cough to cover up his laugh.

“Yeah, Ney, just staring at it won’t make it magically come to you now, would it?” The Argentine chips in.

Predicably, Neymar pouts childishly and points at the shelf as if it has personally wronged him -which in this case, isn’t too off the mark. “How is it my fault that my BOYFRIEND forgets he’s the only giant in this house?” He shouts the word ‘boyfriend’ loud enough that the other two men are sure Zlatan -who is upstairs- must have heard him.

True to their assumptions, the oldest’s heavy footsteps can be heard only a second later.

Zlatan nods at Kylian and Leo first then walks towards the Brazilian, “What is it?” He asks before kissing him at the top of his head.

Neymar merely points at the jar.

The taller man leans against Ney in order to reach it covering his entire body. Hiding a smile when he shudders.

He hands the jar to him, “here you go, midget.”

“You-“ Neymar’s voice is drowned out by Kylian’s booming laughter and Leo’s quieter chuckle.

He wants to be mad, really he does, but the relief at seeing three of the most important people in his life getting along overwhelms everything else.

3. Player 1 - “You should have tackled Neymar you dumbass! What were you thinking? Now we’ll lose this-“

Player 2 - “I prefer losing, man. Did you forget that we’re playing Milan next week? Zlatan would break my leg if I even touch him!

Player 1 - “What are you talking ab-“

Player 3 *leaning in conspiratorially* - “He’s right! Remember that time when he threw Jeremy on the ground so hard he dislocated his shoulder? And when he smacked that referee’s head with the ball last month? I heard the poor guy got a concussion!

Player 4 *appearing out of thin air making the other three players jump one feet in the air* - “One time he even stepped on someone’s foot making them trip, fall in front of the cameras and spray champagne all over themself and their wife! It was fucking hilarious but I bet the guy had never felt so humiliated in his life.”

Player 2- “All these people had messed with Neymar one way or another! There’s no way they were all coincidences, man. Hundreds of people on Twitter saw this pattern too!

[peaky-shelby]

Does anyone have any quick blurbs they want me to write about new romantics? It can be anything

😭

Do something that involves Uncle Messi. You and your anons talked about it before. Maybe not a full Uncle Messi narrative but definitely something that involves him. I would really love for you to explore Uncle Messi and Kylian’s relationship. There is something there.

New Romantics — blurb: Uncle Messi

Leo didn't mind being alone. He also didn't mind anyone else's business. Sometimes he'd have his lunch alone, outside, especially when Ney wasn't around. He liked eating his salad in peace, enjoying the silence and refueling his introvert self before the next leg of practice. But he didn't mind company either, which is why he smiled when he saw Taylor approaching him. Her folder in hand, a pen in the other.

"can i sit?” she asked and he nodded while chewing the greens on his plate. She smiled and sat next to him, leaving her things on the table. "How's today so far?"

"bien." He said, swallowing. "You?”

"same. I wanted to talk to you about Ky-- number 7, i mean." He noticed she corrected herself a little too quick. Like she had said something she shouldn't have. "Are you two on better terms now?”

He shrugged "i don't know, i never really had a problem with him."

"i was hoping you could try and approach him more. Not as Lionel Messi, greatest of all time but just Leo... You know what i mean?” she paused "losing the cup is still an open wound for him but i think with champions league he's gonna get his drive back."

"i wouldn't know what to say."

"just... I don't know. Talk? Listen i know he can be an asshole, and abrupt sometimes. Most times he is hard to talk to, looks at you with those burning eyes like a dog warning you to not get to close, annoying you till you stop trying. He's been rude in the past--” Messi listened, making note of how she was moving her hands and talking about Kylian like she had all these things kept in between her lips for a while now and she was looking for the right person to dumb them on. "And he's got this awful habit of knowing he's great, which is driving me insane 99% of the time. Don't even get me started on his laugh when he knows he has said something horrible but likes to pretend it's funny." Leo was taking slow bites, weirded out by her entire monologue "but he's nice... Other times."

"when he's sleeping?”

"no! he's just as annoying when he sleeps.”

Leo raised his eyebrows.

"hakimi says he snores" she said quickly. "Anyway not the point. If you could talk to him and approach him more during practice, that would be great. He still admires you, he always has... And he's trouble but he's a good kid when he wants to be and is trying to change for the better. So, help him try, will you?"

He nodded "i will."

"thank you." She leaned in, kissing his cheek. She left him right after that and Messi took a deep breath, smiling. Ready to enjoy the rest of his salad when he was ambushed by someone else.

"talking about me again, was she?”

Leo almost chocked by the unexpected appearance of Kylian. He coughed, trying to regain his composure while Kylian started talking. "She wants us to be best friends, you know? And don't get me wrong you're a good guy but i got one bother and that's Haki! She's always whistling away, number 7 you're late, number 7 you're too arrogant--” Leo was still coughing. He took a sip from his water "and i get it's her job. I'm good with that now but she's obsessed with me" Leo left the glass on the table, clearing his throat. "And i can't say anything because if i do she'll make me go deaf with that fucking whistle." Kylian finally notices Leo closing his eyes "you ok Man?”

"fine..." He said in a raspy voice.

"listen just so she shuts up about this, you know, I'm good with you. So you can come telling me your shit and I'll come telling mine. Like buddies." Leo wiped himself with one of the napkins. Half listening to Kylian, half wanting to leave. "We can share Neymar and all. I mean You don't have to talk to me-- bet that's what she instructed you to. Didn't she?"

"i--"

"she's messing up with everything all the time. She even changed the schedule so i wouldn't be same time with Haki on the gym. She says we talk to much, do you believe this Leo? Merde-- she needs someone to control her."

Leo waited, making sure Kylian wouldn't start again. Then he said "do other coaches get to you as much as she does?"

"she doesn't get to me--” he stopped as he saw the look in Leo's eyes. He gulped "she's louder than the other coaches."

"and harder to impress" added Leo. Kylians eyes met his and Leo could see him mentally shrinking before him. "Do you want to impress her?”

He hesitated. "I... No... I mean..." He blew air from his cheeks. He shook his head "no.. i don't care. Why would I want to impress her? I just wanna do my job. I mean yeah fine if she's impressed by it then that's a bonus because at least she won't he complaining." Leo tried to fight back his smile, Kylian looked at his hands on the table "she's likable when she's not complaining"

Leo nodded but said nothing. Kylian looked at him again. Patted his hand on the table. "Good talk!" He said and got up to leave.

"hey ky-”

Kylian turned to his direction.

"when you wanna rant like this. Do it to me. Don't do something dumb and go to someone else instead."

Leo could see in his eyes that he knew exactly what he meant. "thanks." He mumbled and left.

Leo looked down at his salad. He took a full bite "Anto's gonna love this."

[zaeliaeve]

𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓮 [𝓚.𝓜] 𝟏𝟖+ Chapter 5

DISCLAIMER: 18+ ONLY!!! MINORS DNI

WARNINGS: mentions of power dynamics, daddy kink, oral sex, and squirting.

Life inside the firm was changing.

Bianca had spent almost every moment there beside Jude these days, partially because she had to since they shared a desk, but also because they had been getting along well so she didn't mind at all.

It was a nice distraction from Kylian, for whom she had decided that needed space from. Distantly knowing he had a girlfriend was one thing, but to see it in front of her face was a whole other. He told Camille he loved her knowing he just had sex with Bianca and she was scared to death underneath his desk, and then in that same conversation with Camille seemingly wanting to work things out.

It was too overwhelming.

She decided to just say nothing and pretend nothing happened, ignoring Kylian's attempts to reach out. There were texts sent throughout the days and calls made, but she didn't answer any of them no matter how badly she wanted to.

KM: I know I fucked up I'm sorry Bianca

KM: I had to defuse the situation, my feelings for you have never changed

KM: Bianca I promise I never meant to hurt you, things are just complicated

KM:  Please just give me the chance to explain myself and then I promise I'll leave you alone after if that's what you want.

KM: I miss you

Reading Kylian's pleas broke her heart. Bianca wanted nothing more than to answer back and scream at the top of her lungs that she missed him too, but she knew that it was a horrible idea. The moment they would speak again, she knows she would be like putty in his hands all over again.

In her mind, she wondered, does he miss me or does he miss the sexual fulfillment?

There was an odd gray area of What is this? What could it ever even be? Had it been only sex for him?

It was testing seeing his face every day and having to hold strong. Kylian would leave longing glances as he walked past but she would pretend that she was suddenly busy with work. His face would appear in her dreams every night and she thought about him most mornings.

Kylian was inescapable. There was no one that would understand her situation so she was forced to just suck up the pain and just hoped it would go away with time, but luckily there was someone interesting around to brighten up her days.

Jude Bellingham is objectively likable.

The British native is young, polite, ambitious, and easy on the eyes; which makes for a magnetic personality that everyone was drawn to. He offered a new perspective that was well-needed as things began to become stale around the office. The higher-ups loved him, always stopping by at the front desk just to chit-chat about football or ask him how his day was.

Even Sergio Ramos liked him, and Sergio didn't like anyone besides Leo. He was the shiny new toy, and everyone wanted a turn to play with him.

There was something about Jude that absolutely irked Kylian to his core. Maybe it was what Kylian deemed Jude's obnoxious accent, or what he called his kiss-ass personality but each time he saw him, he only liked Jude less.

Perhaps it started when Kylian had gone to the front desk with donuts in an attempt to speak to Bianca again after she's ignored every one of his calls and texts for three days straight.

Kylian clutched the pink box full of powdered pastries in one hand while the other opened the front door, instantly revealing boisterous laughter and pained squeals. Kylian froze in his place when he saw Bianca practically straddling Jude facing away from the door, only a mere two inches away from each other's faces.

"Fuckin' hell Bianca" Jude winced, fingernails digging into her sides.

Bianca's giggles grew louder as she pulled her hand away, twinkly metal tweezers in hand. "I'm sorry that one was right in the middle so I had to get it!" Her thumb soothed the spot that she just plucked from.

"I better look like Idris Elba when you're done."

She shook her head and brought the cold metal back up to his eyebrows. "You'll look even better. Stay still this time or you'll go home with bald 'brows" He could hear the smile in her voice.

Kylian felt like a creep staring at them but he couldn't stop. The way Jude was clutching her like she was his and making her laugh like a schoolgirl caused stinging in Kylian's chest. His nostrils were flared and he was gripping the box so hard he hadn't even noticed it was now dented and crushed.

Jude's eyes eventually caught Kylian's and his chair moved back almost causing Bianca to fall backwards. "Good morning, Mr. Mbappé" He tried to regain his composure, hand catching Bianca's back to steady her and spin her around.

She looked like a deer caught in headlights, her large eyes wide and thick eyebrows raised. "Good morning, sir." There wasn't a hint of anything but professionalism in her voice no matter how hard Kylian analyzed it.

Kylian ignored the duo's greetings and tossed the disfigured box in front of Bianca before heading to the elevators in a discombobulated rush. He could have sworn he heard Jude whisper to Bianca faintly "What a dickhead."

Events like that only kept happening.

Kylian waltzed into the breaking room after a long meeting, head pounding after the hours of discussion about crunching numbers without break. He swore he never wanted to look at another calculator again, or at least for the next hour.

By this time usually, the break room was filled with people grabbing snacks or coffee, but it was surprisingly empty. The silence provided a needed serene peace for Kylian after the day he had. A loud creaking broke his calmful state, only to be even more annoyed when he saw who it was.

Jude entered first with Bianca just behind him, both of them holding the same design of takeout bags, clearly ordering from the same place. He was off to the side so he wouldn't be surprised if the pair haven't noticed him.

They sat at the small table and laid out their food in platters. Kylian tried not to watch this time, keeping his eyes concentrated on his almost full container of yogurt. "Damn, this has broccoli in it" Jude sighed as he looked down at his rice.

Bianca leaned her head forward to get a peak at the paper plate to spot the green vegetable. "You don't like broccoli?"

Jude took the plastic fork and started picking out one of the many pieces of broccoli "Don't like isn't a strong enough word-"

"That's two words."

"-Whatever. Either way, I hate it."

Bianca picked up her plate and held it out to him. "Do you want mine? I like broccoli so it's kind of a treat for me."

Jude took her plate and slid his over to her in exchange. "I should have guessed you'd like broccoli, nerd."

His tone became serious for a moment. "Thank you though that's very kind of you, Bee."

She smiled genuinely at him before digging her fork into the rice.

Kylian's voice broke them out of their own world as he stood up, his chair squeaking against the floor. "How cute." He didn't mean for it to come out as sarcastic as it did.

Bianca's lips downturned and her eyes fell into her lap. "Oh hello I didn't see you Mr.Mbappé. How are you?" Jude's grinned at the Frenchman.

"You two are always together these days. Are you guys dating?" Kylian tried to keep his tone casual, but he had to force the sentence out of his teeth.

Now it was Bianca's turn to storm out, leaving her vegetable rice behind on the table. Jude's upper lip rose and his eyebrows knitted together with confusion as the door shut behind her quietly. There was an awkward silence for a moment while Jude packed up the leftover food.

"I think I should go see what's bothering her. Have a good lunch sir" He was off, taking the plastic bags with him as he left.

Kylian let out a heavy sigh and threw away the rest of his yogurt.

Stalking any of your or ex-romantic interests accounts is never a good idea. There is nothing you can find that will bring you satisfaction, especially if you go in looking for the bad things. The things you know will hurt you.

Bianca knew this was an especially dumb idea seeing as Kylian had a whole life outside of her, but she couldn't stop herself as her thumbs typed in his name into the search bar. Shockingly he was public and held a normal following of about a thousand followers.

The most recent picture was of him and his brother at what appeared to be a football match with the caption Good times with my bro @ EthanMbappé *french flag emoji.*

Kylian looked relaxed, like the stress of his life had taken the day off as he sat with his brother on the sidelines, teeth showing and sunglasses up showing the reflection of the flash of his camera.  Bianca found herself smiling as she scrolled to the next picture.

The next photo was of him and Ariella dated to the fall set outside a classroom with Ariella clinging onto her dad as he held her with a big grin in contrast to her pout. The caption read So hard to say goodbye to ma coccinelle *heart emoji*

Bianca clicked on the comments to see the first one was Camille, followed by his mother and another random account whom she assumed was his friend. Camille wrote a simple My loves!!!

She felt bad for laughing when she noticed Kylian hadn't responded to the comment but responded to his friends.

Bianca somehow ended up on his mom's page scrolling through their Christmas photos. She held the phone in one hand while she took a sip of her poorly made horchata in the other and when she set the drink back down, she dropped the phone flat on its face.

Her first reaction was to cringe and hope the screen was not shattered, but when she picked it back up it was far worse. On Kylian's comment saying he loves his mother, there was a highlighted red heart showing she liked it somewhere in the process of the phone falling.

Bianca screamed and slapped her hand to her mouth, quickly unliking the comment. There was a thick silence amongst herself as she sat in shock, quietly praying that he has his notifications off.

Things stayed stagnant for the next hour, Bianca paced around her living room hoping that he would never notice. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when she heard the familiar Whatsapp notification.

Bianca was horrified to check the app but she knew she had to.

KM: Stalker ;)

She held her face to the pillow as she let out a long wail, her face burning with shame. Maybe it was the embarrassment or maybe she just outright missed him but no matter the reason the responded within five minutes.

B: I could say the same for you

Before Bianca could leave the app he was typing again.

KM: You're deflecting

KM: Just say you missed me too

At that moment nothing else mattered, no other distraction or person between them was stopping her as read his texts.

B: Maybe just a little bit

KM: You're so cute

KM: Do you have some free time? We should talk about everything

B: I think the real question is do you have free time?

KM: I'll be there in an hour let me take care of some things

Bianca rushed out of her bed like a bat out of hell. All of her efforts for the past week have gone to the wayside as she jumped into the shower and prepared like she was going off to war, smothering herself in every fancy soap, cream, and glitter she could.

There was enough time for her to take time to really prepare how she wanted to in hopes of wanting to impress Kylian. She had managed to get ready with a spare five minutes but she sat waiting for twenty before Kylian had texted her again.

KM: I'm outside

Three knocks proceed the text.

Bianca walked over to the door unsure of what to expect, but when she opened the door she was greeted by a comfortably dressed Kylian sporting a black Valentino hoodie with matching sweatpants. She wasn't sure how to approach him so she just kissed both of his cheeks in a neutral greeting.

He stopped to take off his white sneakers at the doormat while Bianca shut the door behind him. "You smell good, ma belle" he noted as he stepped onto her carpet.

"Thank you, so do you."

That was an understatement. Just smelling his familiar strong cologne made her press her thighs together. It was hypocritical to think that he possibly wanted her just for her body when all she can think about is getting on her knee's from him, but it was hard not to when he stood there in the flesh looking finer than ever in his sweatsuit.

They walked over to her couch and sat beside each other but their bodies leaned so they could face each other. "Sorry about being a little late I had to finish speaking with Ibrahimovic about-"

Bianca couldn't focus, only watching his mouth move but not processing his words. She swung her leg up across his lap and rubbed slowly, hoping to get her point across. "You little brat you aren't listening to me" Kylian's hands found her leg and guided her.

"I am listening to you." She lied, sitting up so she could use her palm instead.

Kylian grew underneath her hand, the thick material of his pants not shielding his excitement. "Ahh- as much as I wanna do this we have a lot of things we have to discuss princess" He couldn't stop himself from bucking up into her touch.

Bianca's hand froze and her lower lip pouted out as she batted her long eyelashes at him. "Can't we talk about it after Daddy?"

His eyes darkened as he leaned forward to crash his lips onto hers roughly, tongue slipping into her mouth when she gasped. Butterflies erupted in Bianca's stomach as Kylian lightly sucked on her tongue teasingly.

Bianca could feel the puddle pooling between her legs and wanted relief so she crawled onto Kylian's lap. "So eager tonight" he mumbled as he trailed his kisses down into her neck.

She winced loudly as a sharp pain stung her neck, Kylian's teeth biting into the corner of her skin. Kylian sucked harshly until Bianca was whining and clawing at his back. He pulled back with a smile on his face, pressing another quick kiss to the wet spot. "Perfect."

Kylian's thumb grazed over the forming bruise and Bianca slapped his shoulder softly. "Did you give me a hickey?" She asked with disbelief, eyelids low.

"Wanted to remind you that you're mine."

Bianca was so pleased with his response that she didn't even want to break down the irony or think about the repercussions.

She lifted up her shirt so that he could have better access to her body and Kylian wasted no time undoing her bra. Kylian cupped her breast as he bit above her nipple, teeth sinking down into the soft skin to leave another mark. "All mine." He muttered against her.

His knees sunk into the couch further as he sat up to take his hoodie off, him now wearing a plain white shirt. Kylian stripped that off too before he turned his attention to fully undressing Bianca.

Bianca's hips rose as he tore her underwear off, stroking his neck as he left bites all down her body to her stomach where he started to become more careful and sweet, licking and caressing at her curves. "All yours." She repeated back to him as he get lower.

Kylian seemed to be on a mission as he parted Bianca's legs and kissed up her thighs until he reached her  wet center. He licked a long stripe before delving deeper inside, nudging at her clit with his nose.

He teased her for a very short bit, licking everywhere besides where she needed it most. Bianca was whimpering and grasping at the cushions for support. She couldn't take it anymore and squeezed her thighs closer to his head.  "Need your big dick inside Daddy" she cried, the heels of her feet digging into his bare back.

Kylian shook his head and lapped at her clear juices, causing her to squirm around from oversensitivity "t-too much" she mewled as she gripped his short hair.

He pulled his head up only enough to hover over her clenching hole. "You've been bad, mon bébé. Now you gotta take your punishment like a good girl."

Bianca was practically drooling at his words, bracing herself for whatever he wanted."Yes, daddy."

"You listen so well for me"

His mouth attached to her clit, gently sucking to ease her into it. Bianca's thighs shook as he began to hallow his cheeks against the sensitive bud,  causing tears to well up in her eyes.

Kylian's tongue circled as he continued slurping, groaning at the sweetness of her on his tastebuds. Bianca couldn't stop the tears from falling down her cheeks, the pleasure at a new height. "Haaah daddy, yes!" she practically screamed.

He was enjoying every moment of this, eyes opening to watch her face contort from the overstimulation. Her tears of happiness only caused him to go faster, adding two fingers into her hole when he felt she was ready for it.

His long fingers scissored inside of her at a steady pace making lewd notices as he pushed the slick liquid back into her. The entire room was loud between Bianca's pleading moans and the sound of Kylian gulping at her sopping folds. He began grinding against the couch, his own body throbbing for him to be inside of her.

Bianca's hips were rocking in time with his smooth pink tongue, spreading her mess all over Kylian's face who licked up every ounce he could.

Kylian felt her swollen organ tighten more rapidly signaling she was already close. Bianca was a  mess above him, shoving her fingers in her mouth in an attempt to subdue herself but failing. The strange pressure had built up once again and Bianca now understood what it meant.

"I think I'm g-gonna-" She stopped to let out a scratchy moan, unable to hold back any longer.

Kylian didn't stop pumping his fingers deep inside of her but he did pull his mouth away to stick his tongue out in order to catch the shooting liquid. "Daddy, daddy fuck oh fuck" she babbled out, grinding against his fingers.

He drank up the liquid like it was water, delving back into her wet heat to catch the last of it he could while she rode out her orgasm on his fingers, shaking and squeezing around his thick digits.

Bianca's screams quieted and Kylian pressed one last long kiss to her clit before getting up and enveloping his tongue into hers, sharing her taste with herself. Bianca wrapped her arms around his neck as they swapped their spit back and forth in a kiss. "Do you taste yourself, princess? Do you see why I'm addicted?" He asks as he sticks his coated fingers in her warm mouth.

She hummed around them in agreement and bobbed her head against the shiny skin. "I want to be the only one doing this to you. You want that too don't you, baby?" Kylian took his slimy fingers out to squeeze her cheeks together.

Bianca couldn't get out anything, only a quick nod. "We'll figure this all out. One day it'll be just us." He yanked her face to his for another sloppy kiss before grabbing her naked body and placing her on the floor in front of him.

"Open your pretty mouth for Daddy."

It felt like a dream, like what he was saying was too good to be true. Just them?  It's everything she wants to hear.  All she wishes for is him in any capacity she can take and it only feels more true right now.

Bianca wondered to herself how she could go days without speaking with him and vowed to never do it again if possible. 

The two of them went on until Kylian spilled his seed down her throat, praising her for being so good to him. Bianca was in pure bliss as she gulped him down, only pulling up when Kylian told her to.

They cleaned up and nestled together on the couch in a blanket, some random movie in French playing in the background. It felt like heaven on Earth being in his arms once again, being able to play pretend for a couple of hours.

This time, Kylian was adamant about not falling asleep because he had seen how that ended last time and did not want to repeat it.

Kylian ran one hand along her now-clothed stomach caringly while the other was entangled with Bianca's. "What do you wanna do?" Kylian asked, head leaning down at the girl to see her face.

Bianca's eyes didn't leave the TV. "About what?"

In her head she thought, Please don't ruin the moment. Let's stay like this just a little longer.

"You and I. We're in such a fucked position, Mon amour."

Bianca's perfect bubble busted and they're forced to once again face reality.

When she didn't answer, Kylian kept talking. "If anyone found out about us, I would lose my job. Getting involved with anyone below me in the company's hierarchy will get me fired, no questions asked. It opens the company up to potential lawsuits and I'd be a liability. You know that, Bianca." He kept his tone as nice as he could but stern to emphasize the significance.

She had known that for a long time but pushed it down as far as she could but she knows she can't anymore. Truthfully she had been focusing so much on his relationship that she almost forgot about the risks that came with this. The danger was too realistic, too important to ignore any longer.

"We'll be more careful. No more fooling around at work," Bianca tried to bargain, setting up from his hold to meet his gaze.

Kylian looked empathic as he pursed his lips together. "This is my entire career on the line. I've worked all of my adult life to get up to this point."

Bianca frowned and tried to think of what to say, but her mind drew a blank. What reasoning is there to say to refute him? He's not wrong. "I'm sorry, Kylian."

He breathed heavily out of his nostrils and brought the back of her hand up to meet his lips. "I don't want to lose my job, but I can't quit this either."

She couldn't look at him anymore. He still had the power to make her just as nervous and shy as the day she first started liking him so she turned her head to look back at the TV.  He brought his hand to her chin, nudging her to look at him again and she complied, her cheeks warming up.

"I don't want to lose you," Bianca told him, hands wrapping around his arm.

Kylian shook his head like that wasn't anything she should be concerned about. "You won't. You're like a little worm in my brain now that I can't get rid of" He joked, dimples poking out as he smiled.

Bianca rolled her eyes playfully. "How romantic."

He laced his hands with hers. "Seriously though. You're always there in my head. No matter where I am, I'm just waiting until the next time I can be with you. Unless I'm with Ariella of course."

She would never, ever want to be before Ariella so she nodded understandingly. "I feel the same way. We just have to be a lot more sneaky, and definitely no more work sex until I find a new job."

Kylian was visibly shocked. "Another job?"

Bianca looked at him like it was the easiest decision in the world. "I'm a secretary, it's not exactly the most rare job out there. You have a daughter to feed and I'm not going to ruin her life just because her dad decided to hook up with his employee. With all due respect of course." She lightened her tone at the end in order to soften the blow.

"It's honestly not the worst idea you've had. I'd feel guilty about you leaving though." Kylian frowned at her.

He looked at her concernedly, like he wanted her to really think about her words. "Let's say things don't work out between us. Then what, I'm forced to look at your face every day for the rest of my life and torture myself? It'll be even worse if it does work out because then you'll be out of a job." Bianca explained.

"So will you, if you leave because of me."

She made a 'seriously?' face at him. "You're only two positions away from being CEO of the highest-rated finance firm in all of France and you're only twenty-four. I'll be fine taking calls at another place and quite frankly, I don't like working there all that much either."

Kylian's flashed his teeth at her words. "Keep stroking my ego, I like it."

She stuck her middle finger out to him and he bit it playfully.

"You have a good heart, but don't do anything rash. Just think about it, the decision is completely yours." Kylian kissed the side of her head and melted at the thought of how giving she was.

He cupped the sides of her face as he kissed her lovingly. When they pulled away, he noticed a flash in her eyes. "Wait a minute what about Camille?'

Kylian looked confused before groaning and leaning back on the couch as if it all flooded back to him. "Fuck Bianca we're really in a messy situation."

She remained deadpan. "You don't say."

He rubbed his hand across his forehead, stress clearly weighing on him again. "Promise you we will talk about it tomorrow. I just wanted to get the job talk of the way tonight so we can clear some things up. I want to spend this next hour holding you before I have to leave."

Bianca settled into his arms again with a grin, happy to not have to face any more of the big problems today. She knows the Camille dilemma comes with more complications and she was not in the mood to dissect that today.

Kylian rubbed all over her body absentmindedly as they enjoyed each other's company, attention turning back to the movie. Bianca finally felt safe for the first time in a long time.

She lazily picked up her phone when she got a text notification and opened it directly in front of Kylian.

J: u've stood me up for hot chocolate that's vile bee

J: have you died?

-

𝔸/ℕ: 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘! 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕪, 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕦𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕦𝕡 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕟𝕠 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝟛𝕜 𝕠𝕗 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕀 𝕕𝕚𝕕𝕟'𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕪'𝕒𝕝𝕝! 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕕𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕠𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕙𝕒. 𝕊𝕠 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕁𝕦𝕕𝕖 𝕧 𝕂𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟! 𝔸𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕞𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟'𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙, 𝕋ℍ𝔸ℕ𝕂 𝕐𝕆𝕌 !!!!!!! <𝟛𝟛𝟛𝟛𝟛𝟛𝟛

[kylianswife]

Lost - Kylian Mbappe x Reader

Description: Kylian's girlfriend comforting him after losing the World Cup.

My boyfriend, the one and only, Kylian Mbappe, was on fire tonight. He managed to score TWO goals in the span of ninety six seconds. I couldn't have been more proud of him. Suddenly, the France crowd was more vocal after Ky tied the score. Argentina managed to score again. And so did Kylian. I could've expected a heart attack at any point because of what was going on. The score kept changing, the mood kept changing and the time kept running. It all came down to penalties. Kylian went first. I couldn't force myself to watch him shoot so I closed my eyes. After the crowd cheered, I knew he managed to score. I yelled out to him, celebrating. But even after all the effort, we lost. We fucking lost. The Argentinian crowd went crazy. This was Leo Messi's last World Cup, that's why most of the world's POPULATION was rooting for him. Kylian looked defeated. He looked hurt and lost and in need for comfort. He sat at the bench covering his face with this shirt. I didn't want to go down there because I was crying myself, I would've only made it worse for him. I waited until the lights were out for the ceremony and made my way to the field. I used my badge to pass the security and spotted Kylian immediately. I ran up behind him and hugged him from the back, he was surprised at first and turned around, he calmed down as soon as he saw me and hugged me tight. "You were fucking amazing, Kylian. You, Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick. You carried your team. I'm so fucking proud of you." "I still lost." "I don't care" "You should care. None of those things matter now that we lost."

I pulled myself from the hug and cupped his cheeks, he pressed his forehead against mine. I could see his lips trembling, he was trying so hard not to break down. I closed my eyes and kept my forehead against his. "No, love, please. Ky, you make me so proud." he didn't respond, he just buried his head on my chest. He needed comfort which I was obviously going to give to him. "I want to leave right now." I pulled from the hug and looked him in the eyes. "We will soon, baby. You need to make an appearance in the ceremony and then we'll leave." I said to him and he sighed, he clearly wanted to disappear right now. I stood next to the benches as I looked at Kylian receiving his award. He couldn't bring himself to at least crack a small smile for the picture, which was understandable of course. I looked at him proudly. I know that winning this World Cup meant so much to him but, today, he proved the whole world that he's going to be the next best football player in the world. We walked toward the exit, holding hands. I waited outside the changing room for him. He only took a few minutes before he came out. I kissed his lips softly. "I love you, Ky, with all my heart." "I love you too, baby. Thank you for being here for me." "Always"

[liverpool-enjoyer]

If every character of uefa high were divided into groups of high school stereotypes (quiet kids, popular kids, jocks, nerds and etc.), which one would they be?(I DUNNO IF THAT MAKES SENSE😀👍)

okok so

i feel like the jock group is pretty irrelevant here since like literally all of em play sports lmao. but if you wanna take in the full "athletic but dumb" stereotype i feel like it would be my boy christian lmao. i realize he hasnt made an appearance yet but trust me hes there,,, for some reason. oh erling could fit this too

sergios the resident kid that jus,,, scares the shit outta everyone. threatens half the student population on a daily basis. yknow, the works. he is genuinely really smart but if anyone calls him a nerd he'll beat the snot outta em. luis has a similar reputation but its not nearly as bad. oh n virgil also tends to intimidate ppl since hes so tall n has that deep voice but hes actually a rlly nice guy

luka n thomas could be considered nerds, luka cause he studies so hard n is SUCH an overachiever/teachers pet n thomas cause hes so smart. kylian could be in this group ig, but hes less of a nerd n more of a,,, smart ass

leos a quiet kid. nuff said

gavis a wannabe n pedris the poor soul thats dragged along for the ride. gavis a quiet kid who wants to be a popular kid, but hasnt yet realized that there,,, kinda are no popular kids. everyone pretty much has their own friend groups. hes been watching too many movies. (but rlly, are popular kids actually a thing in other schools??? in my school everyone jus had their own friend groups)

the resident gossips are neymar n,,, like all of klopps class. like for example mo has a buncha dirt on ppl cause they think he wont tell anyone, since hes pretty quiet. but dw he only spills tea w his classmates

trent n robbo are those kids who are never seen apart literally ever. its almost concerning

[neyxmessi]

Favorite recent neymessi moment or interview in the last couple of years (excluding copa America )

I thought Leo and Ney’s reunion after Leo came back from vacationing from his WC win was such a good moment. Of course for the obvious reasons that they hadn’t interacted for a solid month or so, but I feel like I noticed a shift in the relationship when Leo came back.

Of course, pre-WC Leo and Neymar were extremely close (that’s evidenced by their extremely affectionate celebrations on the pitch every game since PSG was literally undefeated before the WC).

But once Leo came back…. idk. I feel like there was such a STRONG shift in their energy.

Initially when Leo joined PSG, it was clear that he and Neymar were close because of their Barca days, and Neymar was one of his only friends in the club (Lea and Angel too but Leo practically came for Neymar). But as the months went along, Leo got comfortable with more people, developed a strong friendship with Verratti, and Neymar was still super close to Kylian and Marquinhos.

Ofc they had their neymessi moments, but they had other friendships apart from each other that outwardly appeared to be just as strong.

But after the World Cup, Neymar was so sad (and understandably so). Ofc he wasn’t a sad sap in every training or on the field, but his attitude didn’t have the same cheerfulness as it did before.

But when Leo came back? It was interesting… I’m huge on body language, and just seeing their interaction for the first time post-WC was again interesting. Of course there was the look of “I missed you! Welcome back!” But it was SO much more that just that — on both ends too!

We all saw how Leo greeted everyone when he came back, but his greeting of Neymar was soooo different from everyone else’s. It was like the feeling of relief washed over both of them when they saw each other again. Neymar smiling the biggest he had in weeks, Leo hugging him and taking him in as he closed his eyes, their hug lingering a couple milliseconds longer than usual. AND IT’S THOSE MINUTE DETAILS THAT ARE SOOOO HUGE. You’d have to rewatch the clip to see what I’m talking about. But once you do, you can just see that feeling of relief wash over Leo. Maybe he was nervous to see Neymar again? But once he did see him, he just seemed to revert back into a really relaxed state.

And of course the photos came out afterwards, and just how they were looking at each other… I don’t know. Again, it’s all about the eyes, and you could just see it between the two of them. The feeling of being “at home” with someone.

^^ im actually obsessed with this photo (the eyes)

Of course Leo quite literally felt “at home” with Argentina and winning the World Cup, but returning to Neymar seemed to bring him a sense of calmness that juxtaposed from the high-intensity celebrations post-winning. And I’m not sure about Neymar… but I think that Leo’s presence calmed him and his mind from the agony over his World Cup loss.

I feel like that whole moment when they saw each other again was encompassed by serenity. And ever since? They’ve practically been INSEPARABLE. It’s honestly insane. It’s like a month apart did a number on those two.

Before the WC, they weren’t always training partners all the time. But after their reunion, they were constantly next to each other in practice or during pre-match warmups.

I literally don’t know why their dynamic seemed to have shifted once Leo came back, but it did. Maybe it was like a nostalgicly bad remembrance of them being apart for so long after Ney left Barca?

Again, I’m not sure. But literally everyone has been saying over the past month or two that Neymar is kinda clinging onto Leo, but I also see it conversely as well. Leo is always much more subtle than Neymar, but you can catch him in trainings kind of idly staring at Neymar just to see where he is in proximity to him. Again, very subtle, but the subtleties with Leo are actually what make them the opposite. You just have to look closely.

So as a whole, that moment is definitely my favorite, because I feel like the distance and maybe somberness on Neymar’s end made them even more close than before. And it’s honestly a shame given all the transfer rumors and things that are going around right now and the fact that PSG is in a major slump.

I’m sorry that this was superrrrr long, but it’s been on my mind for a while. If any of you read this whole thing, I really appreciate it! ❤️

As for interviews, boyyyyy are there a lot. I have some clips in my camera roll, so I’ll be sure to post those soon!

This was very therapeutic for me anon, so much thanks for asking this question 🫶🏼

[myrefersofficial]

Messi’s Dream Comes True In FIFA World Cup 2022 After A Long Wait

At the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, Argentina outdid themselves with a magnificent performance to win their third FIFA World Cup title. They prevailed over France 4-2 (3-3) in a penalty shootout to claim the trophy. Lionel Messi was outstanding for the team.

He scored two goals during the first 120 minutes and then coolly put the penalty kick in the back of the net during the shootout to win the game. Messi now has both major international titles, Copa America and FIFA World Cup.

Messi was the first player to step up to take the penalty kick, and he calmly and confidently converted the goal. Gonzalo Montiel, one of Messi's teammates, scored the goal that proved the game-winner, elevating Argentina to their third Football World Cup championship.

As soon as Montiel's penalty kick was completed, Messi was overcome with emotion, and his Argentine teammates rushed over to give him a celebratory hug. It was the first time in the great's career that he could win the Football World Cup.

Throughout the match, Kylian Mbappe of France gave Messi a run for his money to win a golden trophy. The attacker for France scored a hat trick to help the defending champions come back from a 2-0 deficit and then evened the match again after Messi made it 3-2 in extra time. 

Must Read Our Blog On How Kylian Mbappe Ended Up Winning A Golden Boot In FIFA World Cup 2022.

It was commonly believed that the competition in Qatar would be Messi's last opportunity to compete in the Football World Cup because he was 35 years old and approaching the conclusion of his career. And if that turns out to be the truth, he saved the best for last. 

He has now scored 13 goals at World Cup competition, moving him over Pele into fourth place on the all-time list of Football World Cup scorers, tied with Just Fontaine. His seven goals in this year's event exceeded Maradona's five goals in 1986's competition in Mexico.

Lionel Messi's Performance At Football World Cup

The Argentina captain competed in the 2014 final and lost to Germany by 1-0. However, the magic he produced to match in and out during his prime years playing for Barcelona did not appear to translate when he represented his country in blue and white stripes.

After scoring 7 goals and registering 3 assists in the 2022 event in Qatar, there was little doubt about who would be awarded the honor of being presented with the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball. The honor is presented to the best player in the tournament. 

Lionel Messi is the winner of the Golden Ball, making him the only player in the annals of the competition to have won the trophy on two separate occasions. He was selected as the most outstanding player in 2014 when Argentina's team came in second place behind Germany.

The Argentine, who is 35 years old, has won a record seven Ballon d'Or trophies, presented by the French news magazine France Football to the best international soccer player of the year. The Argentine also has a completely loaded trophy case. 

Now that Lionel "Leo" Messi has won the FIFA World Cup, his reputation as one of the best players in the history of his sport is likely to be cemented in the eyes of the majority of soccer fans. The World Cup trophy was the one significant missing piece until Sunday.

Finally, Lionel Messi and Argentina won the penalty shootout against France by a score of 4-2 following an extra-time thriller. However, Messi has never set out to become the player regarded as the GOAT, an acronym that stands for the best player of all time.

Lionel Messi’s Football Career And Achievements 

According to Messi, when he was a kid, he didn't fantasize about being a soccer superstar; rather, he focused on accomplishing small goals, finishing one at a time before moving on to the next. Messi is quoted as saying, "I fought for my dreams." 

Even as a small child diagnosed with growth hormone insufficiency at 11, Messi has always been a good athlete. However, the superstar, who measures only 5 feet 7 inches, is unwavering in his assertion that a strong work ethic has been the primary factor in his ongoing success.

Messi said, "Initially, I wanted to make a living as a professional player. After that, I challenged myself to improve and set fresh objectives for each new year." According to his previous interviews, he puts in long hours of practice to maintain his level of play on the soccer field. 

And even though he had been known for a long time as a superstar worldwide, it took him approximately 16 years and five World Cup competitions until he finally won the elusive title. He has ultimately fulfilled his dream and won the Football World Cup 2022.

Along with the substantial revenue he's raked in throughout his 18-year career, the new trophy is a welcome addition to his already impressive collection. According to Forbes, he has over $130 million in earnings for this year, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2022.

According to estimations provided by Forbes, this figure takes into account a base income of approximately $75 million from his club team, Paris Saint-Germain, and $55 million from endorsements and other off-field pursuits.

Being the best can result in significant financial gain. But Messi insisted that being one of the sport's all-time greats was never his intention; instead, he attributed his success to his efforts over a long period, allowing his natural ability to shine through.

Lionel Messi - The Golden Ball Receiver In The FIFA World Cup 2022

After each FIFA World Cup, various awards are presented to players who have distinguished themselves throughout the FIFA World Cup tournament. The Golden Gloves and the Golden Boot are two of the most significant awards that may be won in this competition. 

The Golden Ball is given to the player with the most impressive overall performance, including the goals scored and the outstanding abilities displayed. The player who finishes the competition having racked up the most points and goals, is awarded the Golden Boot. 

The Golden Ball award for best player in the FIFA World Cup 2022 goes to Lionel Messi of Argentina for his remarkable performance. Messi will not compete in another World Cup after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So, it was his last chance, and he finally got it. 

The Golden Ball award at the FIFA World Cup was first given out in 1982 alongside the Golden Boot trophy, and ever since then, it has been presented at every football competition. This honor has only ever been bestowed upon a single keeper (Oliver Kahn in 2002).

A FIFA technical committee compiles a short list of players, and then a group of media representatives cast their votes on the candidates from that list. Every player is still eligible for the honor, even if they weren't a part of the squad winning the championship.

Italy, Argentina, and Brazil have all amassed ten victories, making each country the most successful in the competition. Because of the numerous instances of game-winning brilliance they have contributed along the way, Messi and Mbappe were the two leading contenders.

Kylian Mbappe, the renowned French attacker, was tied for first place with Messi for the most goals scored in this tournament with five goals. In addition to scoring goals, Mbappe has been able to assist his teammates on two separate occasions. 

Kylian Mbappe was a great possibility to compete for the Golden Ball because he had an accuracy percentage of 83.4%. But, unfortunately, the award can be won by only one person. And this time, Messi got that luck and finally received the prestigious Golden Ball Award. 

Final Words 

Overall the Football World Cup 2022 Finals in Qatar was a heart-throbbing, thrilling match full of excitement. Football lovers will remember the team's contribution along with Messi's performance. Keep waiting for the next round of excitement in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. 

[11wicketsbangladesh]

Top 5 Strikers Of 2024 Future Fantasy Football

Strikers are the goal-and-point machines. They spearhead the attack and take on the opposition. Win big cash by playing daily fantasy football in Bangladesh, but ensure you add these stellar strikers to your fantasy football squad. Play on 11 Wickets, the best fantasy app to win money in Bangladesh.

5 Stellar Strikers of 2024 future fantasy football

Here is the list of the top 10 most sought-after strikers of the present generation of footballers. They shook the world with their goal-scoring ability. If you can add them to your team, do not miss it.

1.Erling Haaland–Norway–Manchester City F.C.

The goal machine is always present in the box. His teammates will always find him near them. His shots have one destination: the goalpost. The goalkeeper looks helpless when this maverick is in action. Norway is not the team that can win the Soccer World Cup, but this time they can make a difference with Haaland on their side. One of the highest-paid strikers at Manchester City F.C. is out on a mission to accomplish. He is lightning fast, and his shots travel like a bullet straight to the target, the net. The best attacker in the present generation moves with lightning speed and appears from thin air at the goalpost to score. The shots originating from his foot know only one address, the net. Haaland possesses imposing physicality and supreme athleticism. He manifests a blistering pace and a clinical finishing. He is a nightmare for the defenders. They look but a puppet when Haaland is in full motion.

2.Kylian Mbappe–France-PSG

Romance with football, the seasoned campaigner kept the fire burning for being unable to do much in the last football World Cup for his team, France. He has all the attributes a top-class striker must-have, like scorching speed and a thinking brain of a talented footballer. Calm anas he is, he displays supreme craftsmanship and lightning pace while building the attack and taking it to the opposition. He will appear from nowhere and make every moment count. His passes are penetrative and final. He plays for the club PSG. He is a powerhouse of talent as the next to capture the throne once Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo leave the stage. Poised, he is all set to bear the torch of greatness, with Haaland in contention.

3.Robert Lewandowski–Poland - Barcelona

Another stellar performer would etch his name in the top footballer bracket of all time plays for F.C. Barcelona and the national team Poland. This 34-year-old is a force to reckon with on the field against any opposition. He is the pillar of dependence for his manager Xavi and has become a dominant force for Barcelona. Scored 33 goals in the concluded season, Lewa is an efficient and prolific striker, a dominant force on the field.

4.Karim Benzema–France–Al-Ittihad

The striker led Real Madrid to ride at the top of European success. He had a spectacular season last year with the best form of his career. He has been the second-highest goal scorer of all time for his club and their top-ever assist, ranking fourth on the list of the highest goal scorer in the history of the Champion League. He has bagged five UCL titles and many accolades for Player of the Year, earning the admiration of millions of European soccer fans. Compared with many football greats in his early days, Karim has carved his niche as a formidable striker of the game in the present generation.

5.Harry Kane–England–Tottenham

The hurricane of England and his club Tottenham, the 29-year captain of the England football team, have plans for the next World Cup. The clinical finish footballer converts chances 9/10 times to goals. He is one of the all-time great strikers in the history of the Premier League. The prolific goal scorer and the game maker excels as passing finesse to set up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is a primary playmaker in English football.

[armeniaitn]

Messi makes PSG debut in 2-0 win

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/sports/messi-makes-psg-debut-in-2-0-win-77996-30-08-2021/

Messi makes PSG debut in 2-0 win

Lionel Messi made his Paris St-Germain debut as a 66th-minute substitute in a 2-0 win at Reims in Ligue 1, the BBC reports.

The Argentine, wearing his new number 30 PSG shirt, received a standing ovation as he replaced his friend Neymar in front of a sell-out crowd.

It was the first club game of his career for a team other than Barcelona.

“He is still far away from his best form but he has been training well and he will be fit in the next two weeks,” boss Mauricio Pochettino told Amazon.

“We are waiting for the best from him. I’m very happy that he made his debut. It was very important for him.

“He was good, from his first touches he gave the team peace of mind. It’s good for him to start with a win.

“It was good to hear the crowd cheering for him, not just our supporters, it’s something Leo has earned.”

Kylian Mbappe scored both goals on what could be his final appearance for the club, with Real Madrid keen to sign him before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Real Madrid have made a 160m euro bid to sign the 22-year-old, who has now scored 135 goals in 175 games for PSG.

Read original article here.

[gadgetsrevv]

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd agree £15m deal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona latest | Football | Sport

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip

Friday, September 13

Barcelona will turn their attentions to signing Neymar’s colleague Kylian Mbappe

Manchester United remain interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes

Sam Greenwood has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal

Chelsea have been extensively watching Brazilian ace Bruno Guimaraes

David de Gea has reportedly put pen to paper on a new deal

Ozil the advisor

Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny has revealed Mesut Ozil told him to leave the Gunners this summer and join Besiktas.

Elneny recently joined the Turkish outfit on a season-long loan as Unai Emery brought in Dani Ceballos in midfield.

“Mesut is an amazing man,” Elneny told Milliyet. “He is a person that I really care about. We had wonderful moments together at Arsenal.

“Of course, I spoke with him before my decision to come to Besiktas. Mesut knows the country very well.

“He advised me to join Besiktas. After I completed my move to the club, I called him and invited him here.”

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

David de Gea signs

Manchester United star David de Gea has reportedly put pen to paper on a new deal at Old Trafford.

De Gea had entered the final year of his deal at United though the Red Devils were keen to keep the goalkeeper.

De Gea wanted to become the best paid played currently at United which Paul Pogba currently is.

But the Daily Record now report that De Gea has signed a new deal that will make him Manchester United’s best-paid player.

De Gea’s improved deal, which will be a five-year contract, is reportedly worth €15million (£13.3m).

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

No Messi concerns

Ernesto Valverde isn’t concerned about Lionel Messi’s recent interview and believes the Argentine will remain at the Nou Camp for the foreseeable future.

Messi spoke with Spanish newspaper Sport and suggested he would stay with Barcelona IF the club continued to be successful.

“I didn’t want to read it. I know what Leo has to say,” Valverde said.

“I don’t think there are any doubts regarding his future. It’s the club that decides which players it’s going to keep or not, but I don’t think there are any concerns, certainly I don’t have any concerns about it.”

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Jadon Sancho in 2020

Manchester United are confident of signing Jadon Sancho in 2020.

That’s according to 90min, who claim United are prepared to pay ‘whatever it takes’ to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

Sancho, 19, has set the world alight with his dazzling displays for Borussia Dortmund – scoring 15 goals and providing 24 assists in 49 Bundesliga appearances.

The report claims Sancho is exactly the type of players Manchester United executives want through the door – and 90min add that the teenager is ‘privately open’ to joining the Red Devils.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Two GK targets

David de Gea is in the final nine months of his contract meaning this could be his final season at Manchester United.

That means United are already looking at potential replacements just in case De Gea decides against signing an extension.

According to The Athletic, Jan Oblak and Jordan Pickford are the two goalkeepers being eyed if the Spaniard does not stay.

Over the summer reports claimed that the 28-year-old had verbally agreed to sign a six-year extension with the club.

However he is still yet to sign on the dotted line despite United expecting him to do so when returning to England from their pre-season tour.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Douglas Costa request

Manchester United requested Juventus star Douglas Costa in return for Paul Pogba during the summer transfer window.

The Frenchman publicly revealed his desire to leave Old Trafford with Juventus and Real Madrid eager to snap up his services.

Italian publication IlBianconero claim that during negotiations – United chiefs asked for £66million-rated Costa.

Juventus were open to the exchange but Maurizio Sarri arrived and vetoed the sale of Costa immediately.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

David de Gea undecided

David De Gea is still deciding whether to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

The Daily Mail claim United offered the Spanish goalkeeper a new long term contract worth £375,000-a-week before their pre-season tour.

But the 28-year-old is yet to sign it and Solskjaer has failed to give any guarantees about his future.

“I want David to stay here, he knows that,” said Solskjaer. “He’s the best goalkeeper in the world, we’ve seen that over the years, and I hope I can make sure he’ll finish his career at Manchester United at the highest level.

“There have been loads of talks, lots of discussions, between David and the club and hopefully we can get it done.”

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Wanted: Bruno Guimaraes

Chelsea have been extensively watching Brazilian wonderkid Bruno Guimaraes.

That’s according to Globo Esporte, who claim Chelsea scouts have assessed the 21-year-old FIVE TIMES over the last 12 months.

Blues scouts were in attendance as he netted for Athletico Paranaense in the Copa do Brasil final first leg against Internacional.

Chelsea would, of course, only be able to trigger the forward’s £36million release clause IF they win their appeal over a transfer ban.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

PSG in for Kai Havertz

PSG have joined the battle to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.

Yesterday it was reported that the 20-year-old prodigy was set to choose between Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But Transfermarketweb claim the French champions are now involved.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were reportedly interested in the £91million-rated star – but SportBILD made no mention of the Premier League club.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Neymar off, Mbappe on

Barcelona are interested in signing PSG’s star forward… but it’s not Neymar!

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona will turn their attentions to signing Neymar’s colleague Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2020.

The Spanish champions spent much of the summer trying to lure Neymar back to the Nou Camp but a deal could not be concluded.

Now, Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona are plotting a move for Mbappe, 20, who they believe represents a better option with more potential.

Bruno Fernandes battle

Manchester United remain interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes.

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, who claim Ed Woodward and co. still want him at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were widely expected to close a deal for the 24-year-old during the summer but a deal failed to materialise.

But it could happen next summer with Spurs, Real Madrid and United still monitoring the £62million-rated attacker.

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip (Image: GETTY)

Arsenal contract signed

Sam Greenwood has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal.

The teenager, 17, scored 10 goals and provided five assists during Arsenal’s under-18 title victory last season.

And the England under-17 international has been rewarded with a long-term deal.

“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Sam on his new contract and we look forward to his continued development,” Arsenal wrote on their official website.

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[dino0316]

EXCLUSIVE:

Eden Hazard: "I want to show that I am made for Real"

(Words: Jürgen Geril / Photo: Kris Van Exel)

Fasten your seat belts. This is your captain speaking. The Red Devils kick off their European Championship in Russia tonight and then it is Eden Hazard (30). Not quite fit yet, but soon the captain who can lead us to the European title. Despite a season full of injuries, Hazard allowed us an exclusive interview in which he got quite personal. "My sons are very sorry if I can't play with them in the garden due to injuries."

Eden Hazard

The injections I got in both hips work, but I will never be 100 percent in that first match

You don't just arrange an interview with Eden Hazard. At Real Madrid he continuously held off the boat. Because Real is a world team that does not hand out its stars on a tray, but also because Hazard was injured more than fit and received a lot of criticism. Then you are not always in the mood to talk. At the Red Devils, the captain excelled in his absence for 17 months.

But a conversation is possible during this European Championship preparation. That is, if we can present a negative Covid test. So, one day after we let such a Swiffer stick tickle our eyeball, we sit down at Hazard's table. Eden slumps sprawled under a parasol. “During such preparation, I do have some free hours,” he says. “Okay, sometimes I play cards with teammates, but Mertens and co. don't always like it when I join. (grins) I'm not very good at it and then I cheat to tease the others. Creating atmosphere, huh. Fire your questions.”

Eden, there's been so much speculation about your thigh injury. You indicated that you will never be one hundred percent fit for the opening match. What about now? Can you play against Russia?

“The desire to appear at the kick-off is, of course, there. I can play a good match without training a lot, but – honestly – I don't want to start just to start. The good feeling in my legs will return and the injections I received in both hips work, but I will never be 100 percent in that first match. Even if I just come in, don't expect me to make the difference against Russia right away."

You played only 9 minutes against Croatia. Don't you need net matches to grow into your best form?

“I get better when I can play one, two, three matches in a row. Then the ball feeling returns and the rhythm returns, but I don't want to force it either. If I have to be more patient, so be it. Fortunately, I am not the only one in Belgium who can decide a match. We have so many good players who can score.”

What I wonder: is there no mutual competition among the Devils who is now the greatest world champion? You, De Bruyne, Lukaku,...?

“We don't participate in such games. The ranking is clear, isn't it? When it comes to passing, Kevin is the best, no one can finish better than Romelu, Doku is the sprint bomber and Thibaut Courtois is the best with his hands. Everyone has their specialty and that's what makes us so good. Where am I? I'm hanging in there. I'm good at everything, but I'm not the best at anything. I am a good mix.” (grins)

You say you don't want to force against Russia. Did you do that at Real Madrid? For example, you played in the Champions League against Mönchengladbach after two group training sessions.

(hesitating) “With all those injuries I forced once, yes. I had already been out twice and felt pain again during training. I thought to myself: This is no longer possible. If I now indicate that I am in pain, I have to stop for another two weeks . So I was silent and continued. At Chelsea I often played football with discomfort. Stiffness, a kick I got,... Once warmed up, it went well and in seven years that never led to major injuries in England. Unfortunately, at Real it was the other way around. The next day: Bam, more pain. ”

It all started with that kick by Meunier in the Champions League in 2019. Then you started having problems with that plate in your ankle and since then you have had one muscle injury after another.

“Ah, I played with that picture for two years at Chelsea without hindrance. It's just hard to understand. I do everything I can to not get injured, work hard in the gym – which is really boring – and then a new injury often followed. Bad luck. Hopefully that period is behind me now, because I've had it with it."

Belgium knows you as a cheerful French, but your eyes are dimmed.

“I'm still the same, you know. I still have fun, but I can't say I'm happy. That's only me when I can have fun on the field. That has not happened in the past two years at Real. If you have one or two injuries, you can easily turn the switch. You rehabilitate to come back stronger. If it's five, six, seven injuries, it's much more difficult mentally. But I continue. It's not that I'm 36 years old and can say enough is enough. I also get a lot of support during such periods. The whatsapp group with my parents and my brothers Thorgan, Kylian and Ethan does not stand still. My wife and children are also there. Although my sons find it especially bad because I can play football with them less in the garden.”

Are your four sons – Yanis, Leo, Samy and Santi – addicted to playing soccer with their daddy?

“We often play football. Then they try to play a ball through my legs and if they succeed, that's great. That's football. But for now I gate them more often than they gate me. My kids are starting to get it, because now they are constantly defending with their legs closed. They're not bad, but it's too early to tell if they have the talent of the Hazards."

Do they play with the youth of Real Madrid?

“No, Yanis and Leo play together in a team close to our house, Samy just started training there and the youngest is still too small. They should play football for fun. If I can, I'll look, but then I'm not constantly giving directions. That's the coach's job."

We don't really see a trainer in you later on. Not at a professional level, anyway.

“Never say never, but for now I share your opinion. I would be a bad coach. One that says: Grab a ball and do something fun with it . I don't like tactics. If we have an hour of video analysis, as a professional football player, of course I pay attention. You can always learn something, but it's not my favorite activity. I also watch less and less football on TV. Not to the Belgian league anyway, unless my brother Kylian participates at Cercle. In Germany I follow Thorgan at Dortmund, but for the rest? I am more concerned with my family.”

Do your children empathize with you?

“They are fans of Real, but they don't follow every match. During this European Championship they will support the TV with Belgian shirts. It's double. The more we win, the longer they have to miss their daddy, but okay: the boys hope that Belgium becomes European champion and above all that I am fit and healthy on the field."

What do you think of the statement that your injuries are due to stress? At Real you span your muscles through the nerves.

“ N'importe quoi . bland. Of course there is pressure. Real Madrid is the biggest club of all. When you play football there, people expect you to be the best in the world. But why should I be stressed? It's my dream club from when I was little. I looked at Zidane with admiration at Real...”

You are the record purchase of 120 million. Some argue that Chelsea got even more.

“I don't know how much it was myself. Hundred million or more? I am not concerned with money. I only think about the field.”

You also had to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

"That is something else. I am not Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo scores 60 to 70 goals in a year, I score 60 to 70 goals in seven or eight years. We are different. For example, I will never jump that high above a defender to head in a ball. Imagine. But I did not enter Madrid with the idea: I have to be the new Ronaldo here . I just have to be Eden Hazard.”

According to our analyst René Vandereycken, they are still not playing you well at Real. They should – according to him – also give you the ball if there are two men in your back.

“It makes sense that they don't, because I haven't shown anything at Real yet. If we play a match tomorrow and I dribble from between three players, they're going to play me more like that. Then confidence grows. That's how it was at Chelsea, that's how it is at the Red Devils. The European Championship can also help me show myself to Real Madrid.”

So are you one hundred percent sure you'll stay?

“Yeah, it didn't even occur to me for a second that I better leave. I'm not going to leave there a failure. I just want to prove that I am made for Real Madrid. The past two years have been difficult. I was in Madrid without actually being in Madrid, you know? And if I did play, it was difficult because of Covid. We played in that small stadium on the practice complex without fans, while I just signed to play football for a full Bernabeu. I hope that the works on our stadium will be finished soon and that the stands will fill up again. I need that.

Real remains another universe. A kilo too much or a bad match and you will be killed. The press and the fans are on your skin. Bale once said: 'When I come out, I immediately have fifty fans behind me.'

“Criticism is part of Real, just like the attention of the fans is part of it. Okay, luckily I live in a closed neighborhood where you don't just drive in. If the supporters could ring my door, it wouldn't be possible. (laughs) But I don't mind signing autographs elsewhere. I try to live a normal life.”

Fans and press were outraged when you laughed and joked with Chelsea players Mendy and Zouma after the elimination in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“That was wrong, yes. What Mendy and Zouma said wasn't even funny, but I've played with Zouma and I know Mendy through the door. It's always nice to see friends again. Although I understand that I have damaged the image of Real Madrid. Everyone thought I didn't lose sleep over that shutdown, but nothing could be further from the truth. Deep down I was very disappointed. If there was one match I wanted to win, it was against my ex-club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I was shocked when I saw those images.”

How did your teammates react?

“I got some phone calls, but honestly: it's a very nice group of players. That is also one of the reasons I absolutely want to stay: the good atmosphere. You know, when I first stepped into Real's dressing room, I was impressed. That was my favorite all-star club, but guys like Sergio Ramos or Karim Benzema are just regular guys. The Spaniards sometimes take the whole group to quiet restaurants.”

Hold on... Eden Hazard was impressed?

“Yes, but I'm fast, you know. When a new talent arrives at the Red Devils, I quickly think: Wow, he can teach us something . Jérémy Doku, for example. What he shows in training speaks for itself. His dribbling, his acceleration.”

Do you recognize yourself in Doku?

“It is a dear guest. He's even faster and more explosive than the young Eden. Jérémy integrates well, but that is not difficult with these Devils. We grow older in age, but our minds remain young. I am still eighteen years old in that regard. I'm not saying that the previous generation of Devils was surly and unkind, but this core is more open to youngsters."

Have you asked Dries Mertens what it is like to work with Carlo Ancelotti? He will be the new coach of Real Madrid.

“Ancelotti has already messaged me. He told me that he is very happy to be coach of Real Madrid again, but that we will have time to talk at length later. He wished me luck at the European Championship. I didn't have to ask Mertens how Carlo Ancelotti is, because at Real there are still many players – Benzema, Modric, Kroos,...– who remember him from his previous visit in Madrid. They all say that Ancelotti is fantastic. A good person who knows how to play and lead a group. Last season Real won nothing, next season we want to take revenge.”

With Zinedine Zidane, your great patron left Real Madrid.

“I called him. It hurt me to see him leave. We had two years where we could show beautiful things and it failed. That is a disappointment to both him and me. Everyone knows the relationship I had with Zidane. He used to be my idol. Because of him I started to watch football with admiration. That goal he scored in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen... Everyone knows that volley. Well, hopefully one day I will score such a beautiful goal. I must try that. Maybe at the European Championships.” (laughs)

Another great idol will return to the Red Devils: Thierry Henry.

“That's great. Better to have Titi with us than to have him elsewhere. A former player like Henry means an added value. He has experience in tournaments, won the World Cup and the European Championship. There are few ex-football players who have such an appearance.”

In what area does he help you the most?

“Actually, he doesn't talk much. Henry radiates calm, romps around the terrain and occasionally gives tips: Why don't you walk like that? There is the free space... He has a special aura. It is good for us that such an icon is now back in our staff. Moreover, it frightens the opponents. If we had to play against a team with Zidane as coach tomorrow, we immediately think: oh la la .”

Are we the favorites to win the European Championship?

“No, Belgium is a team that can win the European Championship, but the big favorite is France. They are world champions and still have the same team, supplemented by some new strong players such as Benzema. They are the team to beat. We are an outsider.”

Final question. You never played in Belgium. Will we ever see you play football in Belgium like Kompany did at a later age?

“All due respect to Kompany. He took Belgian football to a higher level, but I don't see myself playing in the Belgian league. I have been living abroad with my family for years: seven years in London and hopefully five years in Madrid. Returning with the whole family seems complicated to me. After my career I may live in a remote place. Laid back. But believe me: I still have five or six great football years ahead of me.”

(X)

[sportsleague365]

So that’s it for another year, the Champions League group stage is done and dusted. In the end, we saw a the biggest sides all make it through. There were plenty of shocks and turns along the way, but in the end no one we expected to qualify didn’t. All four English sides made it into the round of 16, as did holders Real Madrid and tournament favourites Barcelona and Juventus. But what about the players? Who distinguished themselves? Who didn’t? We here at Squawka have come up with two combined XI’s highlighting the best and worst performers of the 2018 UEFA Champions League group stage. And to keep things interesting the “worst” list will comprise more notable players, rather than simply reeling off the outright worst performers from the weakest teams. BestAlissonLiverpool Liverpool paid £75m and all they got was this world-class goalkeeper with a tremendous beard. Look, Liverpool already had an improving defence with Virgil Van Dijk but sometimes you need a little extra; you need some peri peri salt on your fries. And Alisson is very much the peri peri salt of the Liverpool defence. Spicy! Joao CanceloJuventus If you ever watched Joao Cancelo play in Spain you may think that the guy currently lining up for Juventus is a Skrull or something because the difference is like early 90’s Serie A vs. early 2010’s Serie A. Cancelo is a freight train of a full-back constantly supplying attacking width and pace in a team that needs every bit of it. Manuel AkanjiBorussia Dortmund It’s hard to say what is more unexpected: Dortmund’s excellence this season or the ease with which Manuel Akanji has adapted to life at the top table. The Swiss centre-back has become a true stalwart for Dortmund and at just 23 years old is the leader of Lucien Favre’s defence. Giorgio ChielliniJuventus In terms of under-the-radar consistent excellence you’d be hard-pressed to find a better defender than Gerard Piqué, unless of course you looked over to Turin where Giorgio Chiellini has been breaking attackers hearts for what seems like two decades now but has in fact been just fourteen years. The foundational stone that has helped Juve’s excellent defence guide them to the round of 16 (it will surprise no one that he missed the final, whimpering defeat to Young Boys). Jordi AlbaBarcelona Jordi Alba is the approximate height of a tin of biscuits yet he has the second-most assists in the Champions League this season and has become a genuine flank-conquering full-back. He even scored his first Champions League goal since 2013, making Inter his victim after doing the same to AC Milan all those years ago. Houssem AouarLyon Lyon worked their way to the knockout rounds through the quality of their attacking play, and that attack was powered largely by Houssem Aouar. The 20-year-old (yes, he is just 20) has been a creative force at the heart of the French side’s midfield, constantly moving the ball forward for the likes of Nabil Fekir, Maxwell Cornet and Memphis to do the damage. Sergio BusquetsBarcelona He’ll never get the recognition but Sergio Busquets is the best midfielder in the world (sorry Luka) and has been brilliant once again as Barcelona have made the so-called Group of Death look like a Sunday afternoon stroll down Las Ramblas. Passing, tackling, intercepting, The Grandmaster can do it all. Kylian MbappéPSG What more is there to say about the phenomenal Kylian Mbappé? He continues to thrive in the Champions League, even as PSG struggled collectively. Mbappé’s pulsating runs forward caused havoc for every opponent and his unselfish play has led to a competition-high 4 assists, giving PSG what few successes they’ve managed to conjure. Leo MessiBarcelona The best player in the planet has, hey what a shock, been the best player in the Champions League group stages. The Argentine missed the double-header with Inter through injury and was just a sub in a dead-rubber (for Barça) vs. Spurs. But in three games he still managed to put in a masterclass at Wembley and score a team-high six goals, guiding his side to top spot with sublime and entertaining ease. Dusan TadicAjax No one expected Ajax to hit the Champions League as hard as they have, but Dusan Tadic’s dribbling, creativity and nerves of steel have allowed them to do just that. The Dutch side didn’t just play well, but they are improbably back in the knockout rounds, largely thanks to Tadic leading them from the front. Robert LewandowskiBayern Munich Whilst Lewandowski’s peers have more or less confined their goalscoring genius to domestic competition, the Polish striker is still battering them in for fun in the Champions League – with seven goals scored he is the competition’s leading scorer and a guiding light for Bayern who have looked mostly just “alright” in general. WorstAndriy PyatovShakhtar Donetsk It’s hard for Pyatov, but Shakhtar have been diabolical as a defensive unit. They conceded at least two goals in every game up to the make-or-break clash with Lyon, where they only conceded one; but that was enough to send them home. JuanfranAtlético Madrid Juanfran should have been phased out of the Atleti side two years ago, but he wasn’t. So instead we got what happened this year, where an old and hobbled Juanfran got torn asunder by Jadon Sancho and Borussia Dortmund, resulting in Diego Simeone’s heaviest ever defeat. JemersonMonaco Oh, Jemerson. He was poor from start to finish in the Champions League but so was basically every other Monaco player. What makes Jemerson stand out was, against Atlético Madrid, whilst playing with two teenagers with two appearances between them, Jemerson literally collapsed to the turf when trying to defend Angel Correa. This allowed the Argentine to square it for Antoine Griezmann and end the game. Jason DenayerLyon Lyon have leaked goals for fun and only the potency of their attack saw them qualify for the round of 16. Denayer in particular has been exposed repeatedly; most recently by Shakhtar with the Ukrainian’s first goal. Fabian DelphManchester City Fabian Delph was absolutely class for Manchester City last season but this time around some cracks are beginning to show in the Champions League. Lyon in particular exploited him repeatedly, most notably for their first goal at the Etihad; where Delph’s air-kick is destined to go on those blooper DVD’s they put out around Christmas (assuming they still make those). Nemanja MaticManchester United Nemanja Matic is very tall. He also possesses fairly impressive aerobic endurance and stamina. These are good things you can say about Nemanja Matic, probably the only good things. How he is still in the United side after a season of shambolic displays is anyone’s guess. He doesn’t do anything and José Mourinho resting him for Anfield is all that prevented him from featuring in the Valencia humiliation too. Key Stat:Nemanja Matic has made more sideways (121) and backwards (135) passes than any other Manchester United player in the Champions League this season. Dani ParejoValencia Dani Parejo has been underwhelming as Valencia have sort of limped their way out of the Champions League in depressing fashion, but that alone wouldn’t get him on this list. Oh no, Parejo takes it to the absolute next level by, in the first group game, facing 10-man Juventus, Parejo first conceded a penalty to give Juve the advantage and then late on when he could have nabbed a consolation from the spot, he missed! Imagine conceding a penalty and missing a penalty… in one match! Youri TielemansMonaco Youri Tielemans is struggling to really be his best self at Monaco. He’s still doing alright statistically, but the side are still terrible because the Belgian cannot exert any influence over them. Henry is even bringing this up at press conferences, hoping that things will change. Well, Monaco have crashed out of the Champions League in absurd fashion and Monaco won’t be back anytime soon. RodrigoValencia Obviously it would be unfair to blame all of Valencia’s woes on Rodrigo but he is their only starting forward who hasn’t scored. This guy bagged 19 last season and was talked about as a potential target for Real Madrid. Hindsight being what it is, maybe Valencia should have sold? Rodrigo has been abysmal in the Champions League and is a large part of why Valencia are out. Ivan PerisicInter World Cup hangover is a real thing. The Croatian players are nearly all suffering from it after their Herculean efforts to get to the World Cup final. Ivan Perisic looks shot, and right now Ed Woodward is probably feeling pretty smug. The Croatian has been nowhere near his creative best and that’s a large part of why Inter have bombed out of the Champions League because they couldn’t get PSV at home. Romelu LukakuManchester United Romelu Lukaku has been pretty bad so far this season. He has no goals in the Champions League and has been caught offside more times than any of his team-mates. He says he’s been carrying too much muscle, so let’s see if he can slim down in time to have an effective round of 16 because if he plays as pathetically as he did in the groups then United are in trouble. The post Best and ‘worst’ combined XIs from the Champions League group stage appeared first on Squawka News. #JordiAlba #AndriyPyatov #FabianDelph

[igetcontent]

Saturday's star-studded 2018 World Cup showdown between Argentina and France is must-see material. Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann are just a few of the top-tier players who will be showcasing their talent on the world's biggest stage on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. France enters this marquee matchup at +135 on the money line, meaning you'd need to bet $100 on a French victory to win $135. Argentina is +240 (wager $100 to win $240), while a draw in regulation is +200. The over-under on total goals scored in this 2018 World Cup fixture is 2. Before you lock in your 2018 World Cup picks, you need to see what European football expert David Sumpter has to say. Sumpter is an applied mathematician who wrote "Soccermatics," a book that explains how math works inside the sport. Along with other experienced analysts, Sumpter developed the powerful Soccerbot model. The Soccerbot reads current odds and all team performance data, calculates key metrics and predicts upcoming matches. In nearly three seasons since its inception, the Soccerbot is up an incredible 1,800 percent on bookmakers' closing odds. The Soccerbot has already nailed draws for Argentina-Iceland (+385) and Brazil-Switzerland (+360). It also correctly predicted Iran upsetting Morocco at +275, just to name a few of its big calls. Anyone who has followed it is way up. Now, the Soccerbot has digested the film, crunched the numbers and broken down every single player on France and Argentina. The model has released a very strong money-line pick, which it's sharing only over at SportsLine. The model knows France will be facing Argentina for the first time ever in the knockout stage of a World Cup. This is the first fixture at the 2018 World Cup that pairs two previous World Cup champions against each other. France enters this match still looking to find its best form. Les Blues topped Group C, but failed to impress while doing so. However, France's defense has stifled its opponents thus far in Russia 2018. France has only conceded five shots on target in its three group games, with the only goal allowed being a penalty in France's 2-1 victory over Australia. The model also knows Argentina didn't qualify for the Round of 16 until the final minutes of its third game. After a shocking draw with Iceland and a 3-0 blowout loss to Croatia, the team edged Nigeria, 2-1, to advance to the Russia 2018 knockout stage. This World Cup notwithstanding, France has lost just once in its last 15 matches. Argentina, meanwhile, is in a long slump, having won just four of 14. However, the Albiceleste have Messi, the top scorer in team history and one of the most successful players in the history of the game. And they won't have to face Germany, which has knocked them out of the last three World Cups. France v Argentina preview: Lionel Messi and co looking up after slow start Argentina are looking to put their tricky World Cup start behind them against 1998 winners France in the last 16 on Saturday. A 1-1 draw with minnows Iceland and a humbling 3-0 defeat to Croatia left the 2014 finalists on the verge of elimination, but a 2-1 win over Nigeria saw Argentina through in second place. Jorge Sampaoli's position was reportedly in doubt before that crucial Nigeria victory, but the Argentina coach is now looking forward to playing 1998 winners France in the last-16. "We are going to play against a team with great individual players," Sampaoli said. "They are among the very best contenders and we will need to be very consistent to come out on top of a very difficult match." After Argentina's victory over Nigeria, Sampaoli headed to the dressing room without celebrating alongside his players, but Lionel Messi went over to hug his coach before he departed in a show of unity with the under-fire manager. "Leo's gesture with me makes me proud. He knows all the passion I put into everything I do," Sampaoli said. "We share the dream of coming to Russia to achieve something important for Argentina." Much has been made of Messi's influence on the Argentina side, but France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rejected suggestions they were a one-man outfit. He said: "There is so much expectation around Messi, which I think is normal, but still I think the Argentina team has a lot to show. "They have had difficult times and still have been able to qualify. I am sure they will feel like going much further in the competition, they have won the World Cup before. "This is going to be a big match, and a difficult one, we are going to have to step up our level." Team news Benjamin Mendy will miss out for France through injury, having come off the bench in their dead rubber with Denmark last time out. There are no new concerns for Argentina, who could name the same side that beat Nigeria to qualify for the last-16. Opta stats France and Argentina will be facing each other for the 12th time. The South Americans hold the upper hand with six wins to two (D3), keeping a clean sheet in eight of their previous 11 encounters with the French. Argentina have won their two World Cup encounters with France, back in 1930 (1-0) and 1978 (2-1). On both occasions, they reached the final, losing it in 1930 and winning in 1978. The last South American team to beat France at the World Cup were Argentina in 1978. Since then, France are unbeaten in eight World Cup fixtures against CONMEBOL opposition (W4 D4). Argentina have gone past the first round for the 12th time in their last 13 World Cup appearances, the only exception coming in 2002. Their last four knockout games in the tournament have produced only three goals (2 goals for, 1 against). Since the introduction of the round of 16 in 1986, France have always made it past that stage whenever they've reached it (1986, 1998, 2006, 2014). Messi has never scored in the knockout stages of the World Cup: 666 minutes, 0 goals. He is the last Argentinean player to score against France, back in February 2009 in a friendly (2-0). Lionel Messi is the third Argentinian player to have scored in three different World Cup tournaments, alongside Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1994) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998, 2002). France's Olivier Giroud has failed to score in his last 357 minutes at World Cup/Euro, his longest drought at major tournaments, with his last goal dating back to the Euro 2016 quarter-final against Iceland. He's yet to register a shot on target at this year's World Cup, having spent 200 minutes on the pitch. Merson's prediction This game sounds like an absolute cracker but, if I'm being honest, it's not really. On the performances so far these are the two sides I can't see winning it. I definitely can't see Argentina winning it because they look a really poor team. France haven't been great themselves but I think they'll be far too good for Argentina. I've seen something from France that tells me they could click at some point, however, I look at Argentina and they are an old team. They look like a tired team and that's why I'm going for France. FIFA World Cup 2018: Riding on a million prayers, Argentina take on France KAZAN: "They are breathing down your neck, you are running out of life," goes the song. The Albiceleste are living on the edge, but the Argentinian fans are singing a different tune. Earning a last-gasp ticket to the Round of 16, Argentina arrived in Kazan, the industrial hub on the confluence of Volga and Kazanka, on the wings of a million prayers, desperate to repeat their coup, this time against the French on Saturday. France, guided by their 1998 World Cup-winning captain Didier Deschamps, cruised to the Round of 16, rather relaxed, but their placidity has led to a lot of criticism back home. On the contrary, Jorge Sampaoli just about managed to pull Argentina through to the knockout stage - in the face of rumours of getting sacked, player rebellion and "fighting for reality against the virtual". Lionel Messi finally shed his cloak of despair for factory overalls and Marcus Rojo's 86th-minute winner carved Argentina's passage to Kazan. Despite having attracted unappetizing headlines back home, the easily-distracted Frenchmen have not lost the desire to fight and look unusually focused. Leave alone unrest, not even a word of whining has emerged from the French fortress. Samuel Umtiti, Messi's Barcelona club mate, said: "We're working to improve, to play a bit better, because we can do it. But the most important thing will be to win, because if we go all the way, even if most people are not pleased by our football, everybody will be happy and we won't hear any more that the football was lacking." Having spent most of his Thursday's press meet discussing Messi, Umtiti admitted knocking Argentina out would give him added satisfaction. It sounded like routine talk, like France's two wins and a draw in the group phase, in contrast to the dramatic life of their opponents. Fumbling against Iceland, thrashed by Croatia, Sampaoli struggled through the chaos to get his first XI right. Gerard Houllier, who assisted Aime Jacquet in his successful 1998 World Cup campaign, has made an interesting point in his column for a French publication. The former Liverpool manager argues that Argentina run the risk of an emotional meltdown after their last-minute high to secure qualification. He has cited the example of Germany who failed to muster up enough energy against South Korea following their miraculous victory over Sweden. Criticised for not having set the tournament on fire, Deschamps knows how to go about it from personal experience. The pace of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe down the flanks is the newest weapon most defenders are wary of. The worrying point for Argentina is that Gabriel Mercado and Nicolas Tagliafico are not known for handling pace well. Even Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano struggled to keep an eye on Ahmed Musa the other night in Saint Petersburg. With Pogba, Ngolo Kante, and Blaise Matuidi in midfield, and twinkle-toed Antoine Griezmann up front, France look upbeat. Still, Les Bleus do not have a Messi who takes a wink to come alive, sensing before anyone that Ever Banega has found his range.

[newsfact]

Mo Salah: Best player in the world today? Liverpool star even wows LeBron James

His performances in October are having many asking the question: Is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah the best player in the world today? Even better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?

Liverpool’s Egyptian striker continues to shine for Liverpool. Before the international break he made headlines for his world-class goal and assist against Manchester City, showing off the combnination of speed, skill and game-breaking ability that is unique among the top players in the world. He was back at it in Liverpool’s first match after the international break against Watford with a spectacular assist on Liverpool’s first goal.

With 10 goals and four assists in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, and the top spot in the Premier League scoring race, it’s a surprise that the conversation around Salah has taken this long to surface. But everyone took notice of Salah’s performance against Man City; NBA star Lebron James, who’s a minority owner of Liverpool:

Salah is on an incredible eight-match scoring streak in all competitions, his longest scoring streak for the club. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

MORE: The 30 finalists for the 2021 FIFA Ballon d’Or

Mo Salah shining for Liverpool

The goal and assist that Salah recorded against Watford on Oct. 16 was the latest sign of a player in top form. They were both that spectacular:

It comes on the heels of his Oct. 3 performance against Manchester City in which no one will forget the solo effort on the goal he scored to give Liverpool a momentary 2-1 lead (the match finished 2-2). Some are calling it the best goal of the Premier League season, but his strike against Watford is on par. His quick feet, acceleration and precision on the finish were exhilarating: 

“This club never forgets anything and people will talk about this goal for a long, long time, and in 56 years when they still remember this game,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp later said in his postgame press conference.

“It is not the first goal [Salah] has scored like this,” Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It is pure world-class. What a player. He set up the first goal as well for Sadio [Mane] and it was great goal as well.”

Jurgen Klopp: “If Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo score that goal then the world says it’s world class. He [Salah] is one of the best players in the world, that’s how it is.” #awlive [pa] pic.twitter.com/GRVpaJWDKi

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) October 3, 2021

Salah’s assist to Mane in the same game showcased many of the same attributes that were present on his goal. The skill, the footwork and the level of decision-making and execution are rare and remarkable even at this level:

Is Mo Salah the world’s best player today?

Salah is getting it done so far this season and his goals have helped Liverpool stay undefeated in all competitions (7-0-3), outscoring opponents 28-9. He’s not doing it alone — teammates Mane (six goals) and Diogo Jota (three goals) have also compiled solid numbers and expected goals/assists — but Salah is consistently coming up with game-breaking plays as evidenced by his seven-game scoring streak. 

MORE: Latest English Premier League TV & streaming schedule

Are there other players in better form than Salah at the moment? In the top five European leagues, a handful of players are enjoying outstanding starts to their season. Here are some of the obvious names that might be included in that group (listed in alphabetical order with stats covering all competitions in 2021-22):

Player Club Goals Assists Karim Benzema Real Madrid 10 7 Erling Haaland Borussia Dortmund 11 4 Robert Lewandowski Bayern Munich 13 1 Kylian Mbappe PSG 5 6 Victor Osimhen Napoli 7 1 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 5 0 Mohamed Salah Liverpool 10 4

With 36-year-old Ronaldo and 34-year-old Messi still finding their way with new teams this year, this could be the season in which Salah eclipses them in the minds of fans around the world who immediately think Messi and Ronaldo when the topic turns to best active player today.

The scene is ripe for a new player to step up and grab the mantle that Messi and Ronaldo have held for years. Many expect young forwards Haaland and Mbappe to battle for it, and few hold Salah in the same regard. Performances like the one against Manchester City and a title or two this season could permanently change that narrative.

On current form, Mohamed Salah is the best in the world.

— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) October 3, 2021

Has Mo Salah ever been the world’s best player?

The 29-year-old Salah was a good enough player to earn a transfer to Chelsea (2014) and later to Italy’s AS Roma (2016), where he began to show glimpses of the elite talent he could become. He entered the conversation of the world’s greatest players after joining a Liverpool team (2017) that would bring out the best in him.

He finished third in the race for the 2018 FIFA World Player of the Year award behind Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Juventus). That was the same year Salah was recognized as the Premier League’s top player after claiming his first of two consecutive top scorer awards. He also won his second African Player of the Year honor in 2018.

MORE: Updated UEFA Champions League standings & schedule

But even though Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles over the two following seasons — team awards are important when it comes to individual honors — the conversation of best player in the world saw Salah come in behind the usual names, such as Messi, Ronaldo, Lewandowski and Liverpool teammate Virgil Van Dijk, who were the top vote-getters for the global awards in those years.

Gary Neville:

“Salah could fit into any team in the world, in the history of football. He’s the real thing and beyond.” [Sky] pic.twitter.com/7S1a02Gc7C

— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) October 3, 2021

Based on what has already been accomplished in this calendar year, the 2021 FIFA Player of the Year award is expected to go to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho (Euros 2021 with Italy, UEFA Champions League with Chelsea) or Bayern’s Lewandowski (more than 50 goals in 2021). Salah probably won’t be able to do enough before voting closes in the next couple of weeks to surpass them. But 2022 could be another story.

If Liverpool and Salah keep up their special season, there’s no reason he can’t find himself in that award conversation once again. And when it comes to the unoffical title of best player in the world today, he’s already on the tip of people’s tongues.

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Liverpool stars Mane, Salah, Firmino should unity beats individuals

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Liverpool stars Mane, Salah, Firmino should unity beats individuals

Wednesday night’s Champions League action was a wonderful demonstration of the fact that football remains a team sport rather than an individual one, and that assembling the world’s most talented footballers is no guarantee of making the world’s most formidable side.

Contrast the two matches. In Madrid, Real ran out 3-1 winners over Paris Saint-Germain, but realistically neither side played impressive football, especially in the final third. There was too much speed and rather too little thought, with the game’s defining feature the complete lack of interplay between the attackers.

Neymar and Edinson Cavani appear to have no relationship, while Kylian Mbappe floated around on the periphery. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who have combined effectively over the years, barely offered any passing combinations either. It felt like a beauty parade rather than a football game, with a few choice individuals desperately trying to prove their individual worth.

Over in Porto, meanwhile, Liverpool were putting on quite the show. Five goals without reply, largely thanks to the understanding between the front three. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino might not quite be the calibre of individual PSG are interested in, but collectively they must now be considered among the most devastating attacking trios in Europe.

To imply this is some kind of anti-all-star triumvirate would be stretching the point — Salah was voted African Player of the Year recently, Mane was also nominated, and Firmino is a regular for Brazil and all were signed for considerable fees. Yet there’s an entirely different feel about Liverpool’s front three: no egos, no selfishness.

Firmino is theoretically the primary goalscorer yet concentrates on providing as much as goalscoring. Mane’s position has arguably been weakened after the arrival of Salah, who took his place on the right, and yet he has got on with business without complaint, providing his most important performance of the campaign against Porto. Salah, meanwhile, is as hard-working as he is productive, and has been the revelation of the season in the Premier League, and quite possibly the Champions League too.

It’s worth remembering, too, that these players have previously been their side’s star attraction. Indeed, all three were often deployed in the fabled No. 10 role at previous clubs. Mane was fielded in various positions at Southampton but often enjoyed his best performances when deployed in the role that matched the 10 in his shirt there. Firmino, too, was essentially a 10 at Hoffenheim, only converted into a false nine in his second season at Liverpool by Jurgen Klopp. And Salah was often devastating in a spell at Fiorentina when fielded as a second striker, which earned him a move to Roma, and then on to Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been a potent attack trio. Football Whispers

It’s to all three players’ great credit, then, that they’ve successfully adapted to their positions at Liverpool without fuss, playing roles to suit the team rather than their own individual capabilities. Such humility is crucial for playing in Jurgen Klopp’s system, which is all about energy and tactical discipline in the form of pressing.

Regardless of the benefits (winning the ball quickly in promising positions) and drawbacks (it’s very tiring and possibly unsustainable over long periods) of Klopp’s form of pressing, from a tactical perspective, it remains a brilliant way of rooting out bad influences, lazy players and those who play for themselves rather than the team. Klopp simply wouldn’t tolerate a diva expecting everyone else to do his dirty work.

It’s a stark contrast from the situation at Real Madrid, for example, where Ronaldo is largely allowed freedom from defensive responsibilities. Perhaps Ronaldo’s goal return justifies that liberty, and it helps when he manages to score two crucial goals even when looking out of sorts, as was the case this week. Football has increasingly moved toward a situation where all 11 players must contribute with and without the ball, however.

In Philippe Coutinho’s absence it is Salah who has become Liverpool’s star, but Firmino who represents this system best. In a sense, Firmino is playing the role Leo Messi did for Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, the slightly withdrawn centre-forward who pulls the opposition centre-backs one way, allowing Mane and Salah to play the David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez roles, attacking in behind from wider. He also leads the pressing excellently, closing down in a manner which is both energetic and intelligent, pressing an opposition centre-back to force him toward the touchline, shepherding the opposition into a trap.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been a potent attack trio. Football Whispers

Gradually, Firmino has also become more of a centre-forward threat in a traditional sense, popping up into goal-scoring positions for tap-ins, goals you expect of true number nines rather than false nines. That has sometimes felt like a bonus, but in truth it’s entirely necessary if Liverpool are to develop into genuine contenders for the Premier League — and, more immediately, with their place in the quarterfinals all but confirmed, the Champions League.

Firmino’s greatest contribution for Liverpool this week, though, was his marvellous flick into Salah’s path for Liverpool’s second goal against Southampton, a truly outstanding touch that took two opponents out of the game immediately, and owed much to a combination of spatial awareness, selflessness and supreme technical skill. Salah had assisted him for the first, Firmino repaid the favour for the second.

It was visually spectacular but also highly effective, and precisely the type of thing we didn’t witness during Real’s win over PSG, where Neymar was attempting to dribble past the entire Real defence solo, and where Ronaldo had 10 shots but didn’t pass to Karim Benzema once. To recall two old themes, Liverpool’s pass-and-move is far more impressive than Real’s Galacticos.

Liverpool’s progress so far in Europe this season has been smooth, in part because of some favourable draws, but it would be fascinating to see against a side like Real or PSG in the next round. After all, the constant theme of this Liverpool side is that they perform better against strong opposition — and that might become particularly obvious against supposedly stronger clubs who have put too much emphasis upon the individual, and too little upon the team.