Ligue 1

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice to help the Ligue 1 leaders beat Metz 3-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday and close out the year on a high as they maintained their five-point advantage at the top of the table.

Vitinha put the hosts in front early into the second half, scoring with his first touch, before Mbappé doubled the lead on the hour mark with a stunning shot from the edge of the box as the France forward celebrated his 25th birthday.

Kylian Mbappé goal vs Metz

United States men’s national team and AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun turned provider on Saturday as he assisted both of his side’s goals in a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory vs. Rennes.

Balogun entered the match with just one goal contribution in his last six games for Monaco and needed a solid performance. Monaco signed Balogun for roughly $43 million this summer.

The 22-year-old USMNT star delivered on Saturday this time with his passing rather than goal scoring.

Balogun assists vs Rennes

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named Athlete of the Year by Time Magazine on Wednesday, thanks in large part to his decision to bring his talents to Inter Miami and ultimately raise the profile of Major League Soccer.

The honor comes just over a year from Messi's win with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In July, the 36-year-old left Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami.

Kylian Mbappe grabbed a hat-trick as Paris St Germain moved top of Ligue 1 with a 3-0 victory at fourth-placed Reims on Saturday.

Champions PSG top the standings with 27 points, one ahead of Nice who played out a goalless draw at Montpellier on Friday.

Kylian Mbappé hat trick vs Reims

Mbappe scored after three minutes, receiving a cross unmarked at the back post and calmly slotting a low volley into the bottom corner of the net.

WHAAAAAAAT! Mbappé, what did you do?! WHAT A GOLAZO!

Forbes’ latest report of the highest paid soccer players 2023 reveals that Cristiano Ronaldo has skyrocketed to reclaim No. 1 on the list. Forbes accounts for players’ salaries and off-field income.

The American Folarin Balogun isn’t off to the best of starts with AS Monaco and two penalty executions in Friday’s match against Nice have sent the USMNT No. 9 into the gutter.

Folarin Balogun misses TWO penalties vs. OGC Nice in the same match

AS Monaco hosted OGC Nice in Matchday 6 of the Ligue 1 in what was a direct battle between two of the front-runners in the league table. Monaco, who were league leaders with 11 points, wanted a victory to increase their lead to a momentary point gap of four points over Brest.

Olympique de Marseille have parted ways with head coach Marcelino, the Ligue 1 side said on Wednesday amid an ongoing feud with supporters.

On Tuesday, Marseille hit out at their fans' representatives after they allegedly threatened the club's management and pressured them to resign during a meeting held on Monday, Sept. 18.

Marseille death threats to president and manager

: Marseille president Pablo Longoria will offer his resignation after receiving death threats by OM ultras. ❌

European soccer's transfer deadline day is one of the most exciting days of the year, but it's also a chaotic and extremely unpredictable day. With clubs showing desperation to sign their transfer targets, the transfer deadline day makes every hour crucial and subject to breaking news, leaving fans at the edge of their social media seats to see the latest Fabrizio Romano or David Ornstein updates regarding their club.