Football

Injured Mbappe Faces Backlash Over Sardinia Trip Before Clasico

Published

5 months ago

May 5, 2026

Sidelined with a hamstring injury, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has sparked anger among a section of the club’s supporters after a holiday in Sardinia, triggering a fresh media storm ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.

For many Madrid fans, the striker’s Italian getaway—during rest days granted by Real Madrid to injured players, including Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, and Arda Guler—was the final straw.

United behind a shared image showing Kylian Mbappé with a “Fuera (out)” stamp over his face—originally posted by a satirical account and reposted in the comments section of Real Madrid’s official posts—some fans are openly calling for the French superstar to leave.

An online petition has also been circulating on social networks, urging Madrid fans to “make their voices heard.” “If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club,” it reads.

Fuel was added to the fire by widely shared photos of Mbappe alongside actress Ester Exposito, posted on social media as Real Madrid prepared for a crucial La Liga match against Espanyol last weekend, in an effort to delay Barcelona’s title celebrations.

Real Madrid won that match 2–0, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa later insisted that “each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time” and that it was “none of my business.” However, several of his comments were perceived as indirect criticism of his leading scorer.

Sweat and mud, not tuxedos

“We didn’t build Real Madrid with players who play in tuxedos but with players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat and mud through effort and sacrifice,” he said.

Madrid is “a club where, fortunately, no player has ever been, is, or ever will be bigger than Real Madrid,” added Arbeloa.

Contacted by AFP, Mbappe’s entourage said “part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements linked to a recovery period that the club strictly supervises”, and bears no relation to “the reality of the commitment and daily work Kylian puts in for the team”.

The France captain, accustomed to sometimes excessive scrutiny, addressed his mindset earlier this season on The Bridge, a podcast hosted by his Real Madrid and France teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.

“I’ve reached a point where you’re going to get criticised whatever you do, so you might as well do what you want – at least then you stay true to yourself,” Mbappe said.

Isolated in the dressing room?

With 41 goals in 41 matches in all competitions this season, Mbappe remains by far Real Madrid’s leading scorer. He has nonetheless come under heavy criticism since returning from injury in mid-March, with some observers accusing him of an overly individualistic approach.

According to Spanish media, Mbappé—frustrated by a second season at Madrid without a major trophy—is becoming increasingly isolated in the dressing room, despite having established himself as a leader earlier in the campaign.

Some fans and pundits have pointed to post-match comments from fellow stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham after Sunday’s win as signs of a growing rift with the France captain.

“We fought, and we played together. When we play like that, we are better and stronger,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV, while Bellingham urged his teammates on Instagram to stay “together” and fully committed “until the very last whistle” of the season.

Friendly exchanges between Vinicius and Bellingham on social media—the pair won the Champions League together before Mbappe’s arrival—have further fueled speculation of a new clash of egos within the Madrid squad.

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Football

2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees: Full List Of Contenders Across All Categories

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2026

AladdynKing

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or gathers pace as shortlists are unveiled across all categories.

The battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has officially commenced. Football’s most prestigious individual accolade, celebrating the standout performers of the 2025-26 season, is building towards its marquee evening.

On Tuesday, 8 September, shortlists will be revealed in stages across all primary categories, from the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or to honours for emerging talent and world-class goalkeepers. Clubs and managers are likewise vying for prestigious recognition.

Among the individual awards up for grabs are the Kopa Trophy, presented to the standout young player, the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the top goalkeeper, and the Gerd Muller Trophy, reserved for the campaign’s most prolific finisher.

The staggered release of the nominees marks the opening chapter of the gala. The winners will be formally crowned on 26 October when the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes centre stage in London.

Nominees list: All names category by category

Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club America, Manchester City, and Olympique Lyonnais

Men’s Club of the Year: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo, and PSG

Women’s Coach of the Year: Jonatan Giraldez, Andree Jeglertz, Nils Nielsen, Pere Romeu, Elena Sadiku

Men’s Coach of the Year: Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, Lorena, Ayaka Yamashita

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois, Gregor Kobel, Joan Garcia, Edouard Mendy, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya, Vozinha, Unai Simon, Matvey Safonov

Best Young Female Player: Veerle Buurman, Vicky Lopez, Felicia Schroder, Clara Serrajordi, Lily Yohannes

Best Young Male Player: Kerim Alajbegovic, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pau Cubarsi, Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Junior Kroupi, Lamine Yamal, Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Maza, Warren Zaire-Emery

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026: Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Buhl, Esmee Brugts, Mariona Caldentey, Scarlett Camberos, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alex Greenwood, Pernille Harder, Patri Guijarro, Rose Lavelle, Yui Hasegawa, Mapi Leon, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Ewa Pajor, Vivianne Miedema, Claudia Pina, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Momoko Tanikawa, Wendie Renard, Khadija Shaw, Caroline Weir, Tessa Wullaert

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026: Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembele, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, Gabriel, Harry Kane, Achraf Hakimi, Lamine Yamal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Sadio Mane, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Leo Messi, Michael Olise, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri Hernández, Fabián Ruiz, Ferran Torres, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Vinicius Júnior, Vitinha.

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Football

Vinicius Vows To Deliver Champions League Glory: “We Are Going To Win It”

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2026

AladdynKing

Vinicius Junior spoke to ‘RM Play’ ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener, boldly declaring that they will conquer Europe this season.

Following a two-season drought, Real Madrid have set their sights firmly on the Champions League. Los Blancos kick off their latest European campaign on Tuesday, and Vinicius Jr spoke to ‘RM Play’, the club’s official streaming platform.

The Brazilian forward boldly asserted that they will lift their 16th European crown following two underwhelming campaigns: “Hopefully number 16 arrives. We are ready for it. It is our competition. We haven’t performed well over the last two years. Our first goal is to finish in the top eight. We are always thrilled by the Champions League. This season is going to be different compared to the last two and we are going to win it.”

Vinicius also reflected fondly on his decisive strikes against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in the last two finals: “They are the two most important goals of my life. It goes down in history. Many players score goals, but few in finals. And doing it for the biggest club in the world is something neither the fans nor I will ever forget.”

Finally, he shared his thoughts ahead of the opening clash against Inter: “Whenever the Champions League comes around, it is something different. We are ready for this match against a great side who will demand a lot from us. They are physically very strong and defend with a back five, which usually causes us problems, but the boss has prepared us well. We have a few absences, but we will all go out strong. Hopefully we can build that wonderful connection with the fans in these matches,” he concluded.

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Football

Inter Dealt Dimarco Blow Ahead Of Bernabeu Clash

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2026

AladdynKing

Inter have travelled to Madrid without Federico Dimarco after the wing-back suffered a mild right knee sprain, dealing a major blow to the ‘Nerazzurri’.

The Champions League is back, and Inter face a formidable opening test as they travel to take on Real Madrid on matchday one of the league phase — a stern challenge made all the more difficult by the absence of a key figure.

That absentee is Federico Dimarco, one of the side’s standout performers and the reigning Serie A ‘MVP’. The wing-back emerged as one of the casualties from their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Napoli.

The Italy international, who provided an assist for Lautaro to break the deadlock, lasted just 62 minutes on the pitch after sustaining a mild sprain in his right knee. Head coach Chivu opted against taking any risks with his fitness, leaving him behind in Milan.

Everything points towards Carlos Augusto deputising on the left flank in his absence. The Brazilian full-back stepped in for his teammate against Napoli, crucially providing the assist for the equaliser to make it 2-2.

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