Sports

Mbappe, France team honour victims of 2015 Paris attacks ahead of Ukraine clash

Published

2 months ago

November 12, 2025

Mbappe, France team honour victims of 2015 Paris attacks ahead of Ukraine clash

France captain Kylian Mbappe says the national team will dedicate their upcoming match to the memory of victims of the November 13, 2015 Paris terror attacks, as the country marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.

Les Bleus face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday — exactly a decade after coordinated terrorist assaults across Paris and near the Stade de France claimed 130 lives.

“Everyone knows how special tomorrow is,” Mbappe said on Tuesday. “Not in a good way. We want to remember all those who lost loved ones, who were affected, hurt — whether mentally or physically.

“We will try to pay tribute to all these people during the day and during the match, by putting smiles on the faces of those who come to the stadium, even though we know it’s not a joyful day.”

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Most of the victims perished at the Bataclan concert hall, where gunmen opened fire during a performance by the American rock band Eagles of Death Metal. Others died in coordinated shootings across the capital, while one person was killed outside the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, where suicide bombers attempted to enter during a friendly between France and Germany.

The stadium, packed with nearly 80,000 spectators including then-President François Hollande, remained on lockdown as the match continued. France went on to win 2–0 despite the chaos unfolding beyond its walls.

Reflecting on the somber anniversary, head coach Didier Deschamps — who led the team that night — admitted he would have preferred not to play on the date of the tragedy.

“It would have been better if we could have avoided playing on November 13,” Deschamps said while announcing his squad last week. “There is an obligation to remember what happened, but there is also a football match to be played.”

A minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off at the Stade de France in honour of the victims.

France, World Cup champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, will qualify for next year’s tournament with a game to spare if they defeat Ukraine.

Mbappe, France team honour victims of 2015 Paris attacks ahead of Ukraine clash

Related Topics:2015 Paris France Mbappe Ukraine

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Sports

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already taking shape, with Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early front-runners for football’s most prestigious individual award. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now past their peak, the field is wide open for new stars to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice tops early rankings thanks to his influential performances in club and international competitions, particularly his leadership in Arsenal’s title push. Close behind are Harry Kane, who continues to score prolifically for Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland with his lethal finishing for Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé, maintaining his form for Real Madrid and France.

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Rising star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, also features prominently among early favourites, while other notable contenders include midfield dynamo Vitinha and reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Analysts note that the race is still early and that Champions League and World Cup performances will heavily influence the final outcome.

The early rankings provide a snapshot of the competition, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging talents who could define the next era of global football.