FIFA World Cup (Men's)

Kylian Mbappé responds to Emi Martínez's World Cup taunts

PARIS - France striker Kylian Mbappé has shrugged off Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez's taunts after the World Cup final, saying he did not "waste energy on such futile things" as he awaited the return of Paris Saint Germain teammate Lionel Messi.

Mbappé became the second player to score a World Cup final hat-trick as he dragged his country back into the match with a late second-half double and an extra-time penalty, which was still not enough as Argentina prevailed in a shootout.

Carlo Ancelotti avoids calling Messi best in history: ‘I train the Ballon d'Or every day’

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said his team does not need winter signings as it is in good shape to resume the season in LaLiga, where they trail leaders Barcelona by two points.

The Italian coach considers that having healthy players, such as striker Karim Benzema, will be the key to face the schedule that awaits the Madrid side, who will be looking to defend their LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League titles.

Japan coach Moriyasu extends through 2026 with clear task: reach the World Cup quarterfinals

TOKYO - Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will remain in charge of the Asian team for another World Cup cycle, the country's football association announced on Thursday, with the aim of breaking new ground after a number of near misses.

That Moriyasu would continue in the role came as little surprise after he led Japan to victories over former World Cup winners Germany and Spain during the finals in Qatar en route to topping what was considered the most difficult group at the tournament.

Argentina fans ask Julián Álvarez to break up with his girlfriend after compromising video goes viral

Julián Álvarez has become one of the most beloved players in Argentina. The Manchester City striker was instrumental in La Albiceleste's 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, scoring four goals and creating a joy-making partnership with Lionel Messi. So no wonder kids line up in front of his door to get a photo or an autograph.

10 signs you're going through World Cup withdrawal

I saw something today that pointed out how it'd been exactly 31 days since Lionel Messi drove a dagger through the heart of Mexico from 25 yards out, and a part of me just stopped, stumbled and staggered. How could that be? An entire month has passed?

It's clear that although the Christmas period provided a welcome respite from the 29-day smorgasbord that was the World Cup, I was still experiencing harsh symptoms of withdrawal. 

PSG coach says no bad blood between Messi-Mbappé, but Emi Martínez is another story

After sending 11 players to the World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain's season resumes Wednesday with the Ligue 1 leaders needing to find motivation for a home match against 19th-place Strasbourg.

PSG manager Christophe Galtier gave his pre-match press conference Tuesday and outlined how many of the club's World Cup stars would be available for selection — including France's Kylian Mbappé, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and Brazil's Neymar — but Argentina's Lionel Messi had been given extended leave until early January.

Ines Rau? Rose Bertram? Who is Kylian Mbappé's girlfriend?

Random morning weekday, The18 headquarters:

"Who is Kylian Mbappé's new girlfriend? We should write a story. Any volunteers?"

Well, here is your volunteer.

I know those who see the world in 4-3-3, 3-5-2 or 4-2-2 formations and spend the day analyzing the tactical wrinkles of Pep Guardiola in Manchester City or Jürgen Klopp in Liverpool don't give a cent about who is Kylian Mbappé's girlfriend.

But guess what? The world is not only yours. Some people may also want to know more about the glamorous life of soccer stars and this is for them.

World Cup final referee exposes hypocritical French press by pulling out his phone and showing one photo

The World Cup final ended nearly a week ago but the drama around it continued as the match referee showed a photo on his phone during a news conference to respond to claims that Lionel Messi's extra-time goal should not have stood.

Argentina won the final in Lusail, Qatar, 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 3-3 following 120 minutes of action, with Messi scoring twice and Kylian Mbappe bagging a hat trick for France.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says he’ll speak with Emi Martínez about his World Cup celebrations

Aston Villa coach Unai Emery praised Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's performance at the World Cup, but said he will have a discussion with him about his attitude during the celebrations ahead of the resumption of Premier League action.

After Argentina won the World Cup by defeating France in a penalty shootout, keeper "Dibu" Martinez was in the spotlight for his Golden Glove-winning celebration and later during the victory festivities in Buenos Aires, where he carried a toy baby with Kylian Mbappe's face on it during an open-top bus parade.

FIFA investigating how Salt Bae was able to crash Argentina's celebrations and touch the World Cup trophy

FIFA has launched an investigation to determine how in the hell restaurant owner and famous chef Salt Bae got access to the field during Argentina's World Cup celebrations in Qatar. 

"Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18," the world soccer body said in a press release.

Salt Bae World Cup acts anger fans 

Although FIFA didn't name Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, you don't need to be a genius to know what's going on here. 

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