Football

Lens 0-2 PSG: Les Parisiens Secure Fifth Straight Ligue 1 Crown

Published

5 months ago

May 13, 2026

Paris Saint-Germain have once again claimed the Ligue 1 title, defeating Lens in a decisive clash. This marks their fifth consecutive triumph and the third under Luis Enrique.

PSG continue to reign supreme in French football. The Parisian giants, a powerhouse in both European and global football, clinched their 14th Ligue 1 title on Wednesday. Luis Enrique’s side sealed the championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over their closest rivals, Lens, ensuring they remain uncatchable with one game left in the season. Goals from ‘Kvara’ and Mbaye secured the win and confirmed PSG as champions.

The Parc des Princes outfit faced stiff competition throughout the campaign. Lens, known as ‘Les Sang et Or’, emerged as fierce challengers in the title race. Few anticipated Pierre Sage’s team would push PSG so hard, even leading the standings at times. However, they ultimately couldn’t match PSG’s relentless form in the closing stages. Since reclaiming the top spot on matchday 23, PSG have been nearly flawless, recording eight wins and one draw.

Under Luis Enrique’s stewardship, PSG have led the table in 24 of the 34 rounds played so far. With one match remaining against Lens, the result is now academic. The team can shift their focus to the upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal, where they aim to secure back-to-back European titles.

It has been a dominant Ligue 1 campaign for ‘Les Rouge et Bleu’, who have amassed 76 points from 24 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 72 goals while conceding just 27. This marks their fifth consecutive league title and the third for Luis Enrique, who becomes the first non-French manager to achieve this milestone. The only blemish on their domestic season was an early exit from the Coupe de France, where they were eliminated in the round of 32 by local rivals Paris FC.

Key figures

PSG’s triumph bears the distinct mark of Luis Enrique Martinez. The Spanish tactician, renowned for his possession-based philosophy, has once again captivated the Parisian faithful. In goal, the battle between Chevalier and Safonov was a talking point, with Safonov ultimately securing the starting role, though it remains a position of relative weakness.

A rock-solid defence has been the foundation of PSG’s success, featuring Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes, alongside Zabarnyi and the two Lucas – Hernandez and Beraldo. In midfield, Vitinha has been the heartbeat of the team. The Portuguese maestro, Ligue 1’s top assist provider, is among the world’s elite midfielders, dictating PSG’s possession game. He has been ably supported by Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Zaire-Emery, and Mayulu, with rising star Dro Fernandez, formerly of Barcelona, also making an impact.

In attack, Luis Enrique boasts an arsenal of match-winners. Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and Bradley Barcola lead the scoring charts with 10 goals apiece. The ‘Mosquito’ has flourished under Enrique’s guidance, as has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian playmaker has contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances. Meanwhile, Desire Doue and Goncalo Ramos have added their flair and finishing touch. Together, these five players account for 40 of PSG’s 72 goals, underscoring their dominance in French football.

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Football

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

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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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