Champion Jannik Sinner of Italy and runner-up Alexander Zverev of Germany pose with their trophies after the men’s singles final at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
LONDON — Alexander Zverev is used to being “the third guy” in tennis.
After following up his French Open title with a run to his first Wimbledon final, he’s hoping to be more than that in the future.
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Despite losing to Jannik Sinner on Centre Court on Sunday, the 29-year-old Zverev thinks he is closer than ever to challenging the top-ranked Italian and his main rival Carlos Alcaraz and giving tennis a Big Three again.
Sinner and Alcaraz had won the last nine Grand Slam tournaments between them before Zverev won his first major at Roland Garros this year.
“There was always this conversation, ‘who will be the third guy?’” Zverev said. “I’ve always been the third guy, but I was just far away from those two. But I’ve always been No. 3 in a way. So if I get closer to them … it would be great.”
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Alcaraz missed this year’s French Open — and Wimbledon — with a wrist injury, and Sinner was eliminated in the second round in Paris after wilting in the heat. Zverev lost in five sets to Alcaraz in the semifinals at the Australian Open this year and lost 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 to Sinner on Sunday after overextending his knee in the third set.
“I think I’ve been pushing those guys,” Zverev said. “I haven’t beaten them this year, but I’ve pushed them to the limits, I would say.”
He may have been able to push Sinner even more had it not been for a slip during the third set, on Zverev’s only break point of the match. The German fell to the ground and clutched his right knee in pain, with Sinner coming over to check on his opponent before helping Zverev up off the grass.
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Zverev said he overextended his knee and that it hampered his serve — his biggest weapon — after that.
“I was struggling to push off on the serve a little bit. So my serve speed went down,” he said. “But everything else went fine. I was moving fine from the baseline and playing from the baseline fine.”
Despite the loss, Zverev will shed the “third guy” moniker in at least one way — he will overtake Alcaraz as No. 2 in the rankings on Monday.
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Zverev had never been past the fourth round at Wimbledon before this year, but seems to have finally figured out how to play on grass.
“I’m 29 years old and this is the first time I actually believe I can win this trophy,” Zverev told the Centre Court crowd after his defeat.
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Sinner seems to share that belief.
“Today you were so, so close. If you play like this, I’m very, very sure you’re going to have this (trophy) at home as well,” Sinner told his opponent. “I know the goal is for you to become the No. 1 in the world. You’re very, very close. So we have to be very careful now.”
Maxxine Dupri has undergone a complete character overhaul in WWE. She has now been given a new moniker on Monday Night RAW.
After weeks of being overlooked and stuck in limbo, Maxxine Dupri finally took it upon herself to carve her own path.
Thanks for the submission!
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During the July 6 episode of WWE RAW, she helped Austin Theory and Bron Breakker dethrone the Street Profits as the World Tag Team Champions. She hit a nasty low blow on Angelo Dawkins, turning heel in the process.
After the match, Dupri jumped into Theory’s arms and shared a kiss, thus joining the Vision. Rumor has it that she will revert to being a valet.
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Tonight on WWE RAW, Logan Paul officially introduced Maxxine Dupri as the newest member of the group and called her “The Vision Queen.”
It seems like she will be going by this new moniker moving forward.
The segment was cut short by Otis and Akira Tozawa, who tried to talk Maxxine Dupri out of joining the Vision. Interestingly, Otis was about to confess his feelings to Maxxine Dupri before being attacked by Austin Theory and Bron Breakker.
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During the brawl, it seemed like Maxxine Dupri was going to kiss Otis, but that turned out to be a ploy to help the Vision get the better of the Alpha Academy.
Austin Theory hit Otis with a low blow and took him out with brass knuckles, which her on-screen girlfriend handed to him.
Bron Breakker destroyed Otis with a Spear, sending them a stern warning. A feud between the two teams could be in the works for WWE SummerSlam this year.
Maxxine Dupri explains why she joined the Vision on WWE RAW
Speaking on Complex Graps, Maxxine Dupri cited her recent shortcomings as one of the reasons behind joining the Vision.
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“It just got to a point where I had to choose me. I’ve been choosing them for years, and that hasn’t gotten me anywhere. Also, let’s not forget, all those times when Becky (Lynch) was getting disqualified and purposely doing things so that I couldn’t win the title, where were they? Were they ever ringside for me? So, I had to do that on my own, and then, when I lost it, thanks to Nattie, where were they? So to me, it’s like, it’s not personal; it’s just about me choosing me but no one has been choosing me. Literally no one, and Austin (Theory) has chosen me so I’m choosing him and I’m choosing Maxxine.”
It looks like Maxxine Dupri will be more than just a valet, as WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman relieved himself of his managerial duties for the Vision during a backstage segment.
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Senegal Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall has claimed that the national team’s doctor was “trained as a gynaecologist”, saying the revelation raised concerns among players during the FIFA World Cup 2026 and forced the federation to bring in additional medical expertise, reported Reuters. Reviewing Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign at a press conference on Monday, Fall said the issue came to light late in the tournament and affected the players’ confidence in the medical support available to them.
“Based on the feedback I received, the players were not sufficiently reassured about being supported by him,” Fall said, according to Reuters.
According to the federation chief, steps were taken to strengthen the team’s medical support during the tournament.
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“We had to find convincing expertise so they could feel reassured, because health comes before everything,” said Fall.
The claims were swiftly rejected by the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, which described the allegations as “unfounded and defamatory” in a statement issued later on Monday.
The association said team doctor Abderahmane Fediore holds a specialist diploma in sports medicine and sports biology from the Faculty of Medicine at Cheikh Anta Diop University.
It also noted that he previously headed the physiotherapy department at Fann Hospital and has served as Senegal’s national team doctor since 2017, working at three FIFA World Cups and five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
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The controversy comes just days after the FSF dismissed head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw following Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
Under Thiaw, Senegal had emerged as one of Africa’s strongest national teams, completing their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten before lifting the Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating Morocco in the final.
However, the Lions of Teranga failed to live up to expectations at the FIFA World Cup 2026. They lost their opening two group-stage matches to France and Norway, but defeated Iraq 5-0 to enter the Round of 32 where they lost to Belgium 2-3 in extra time.
Thiaw, who represented Senegal as a player during the country’s historic run to the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, was relieved of his duties on Saturday last week. The FSF is yet to announce his replacement, with preparations now set to shift towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup 2030.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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The full card has finally been revealed for the Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga event taking place later this month.
Two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua returns to action on July 25 when he faces KO artist Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where a victory for ‘AJ’ will set up the long-awaited clash against Tyson Fury, provided Fury can also defeat Mariusz Wach 24 hours earlier.
With just over 10 days to go until the event, there were still questions surrounding which other fighters would feature, but it has now been confirmed exactly who will be joining Joshua and Prenga on the bill.
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In the co-main event, Hamzah Sheeraz makes the first defence of his WBO super middleweight title, as he meets Simon Zachenhuber.
Sheeraz blasted through Alem Begic inside two rounds in May to win the vacant belt, and now turns his attention to Zachenhuber, who despite suffering an upset six round points defeat to Pawel August in April, is now presented with a world title opportunity at 168lbs.
The other world title fight on the card sees Josh Kelly defend his IBF super welterweight belt against Caoimhin Agyarko. Kelly won the title against Bakhram Murtazaliev in January, while Agyarko holds an unbeaten record of 18-0 and beat Ishmael Davis last time out.
Elsewhere on the Joshua vs. Prenga bill, Hayato Tsutsumi is scheduled to face Alvino Herrera, Oleksandr Khyzhniak meets Lenny Patrach, Mikie Tallon goes up against Orlando Pino, plus the likes of Mohammed Alakel and Ziyad Almaayouf are amongst those on the undercard.
Few fixtures in world football carry the emotional weight, historical baggage and unforgettable moments of Argentina vs England.
When the two nations meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, it will not simply be a battle for a place in the final. It will be another chapter in a rivalry that has stretched across generations, shaped by footballing brilliance, controversial decisions, political tensions and some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history.
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From Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” and his magical “Goal of the Century” in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card heartbreak in 1998, this fixture has repeatedly delivered drama whenever the two sides have crossed paths.
Now, with Lionel Messi leading the defending champions and England searching for their first World Cup final appearance since 1966, another historic encounter awaits.
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A rivalry that goes beyond football
The footballing relationship between Argentina and England dates back more than a century.
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Argentina hosted British railway workers in the late 19th century, helping introduce football to the country. Many of Argentina’s famous clubs, including River Plate and Boca Juniors, have links to British influence during the early growth of the sport.
The two nations first met internationally at Wembley in 1951, with England winning 2-1. However, the friendly relationship soon transformed into one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
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Historical tensions, particularly the Falklands/Malvinas conflict in 1982, added another layer of emotion whenever the teams met. For supporters on both sides, Argentina vs England became more than just 90 minutes of football.
1966: The controversy that started the World Cup rivalry
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The first World Cup meeting between Argentina and England came in 1962, when England won 3-1 in Chile.
But their 1966 quarter-final clash at Wembley became the match that truly defined the rivalry. England won 1-0 thanks to Geoff Hurst’s header, but the game was remembered more for the chaos surrounding Argentina captain Antonio Rattín’s dismissal.
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Rattín was sent off after a confrontation with German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, but confusion over communication and language led to an eight-minute delay before he eventually left the pitch.
Argentina felt they had been treated unfairly and later referred to the match as “El Robo del Siglo”, The Robbery of the Century. England manager Alf Ramsey also added fuel to the fire by famously describing Argentina’s players as “animals” after the match.
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The controversy created a rivalry that would continue for decades.
1986: Maradona’s revenge and football’s most iconic World Cup moment
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Twenty years later, Argentina and England met again in a World Cup quarter-final.
This time, the stage was Mexico City’s legendary Azteca Stadium, and Diego Maradona produced one of the greatest individual performances in football history. The match came just four years after the Falklands conflict, making the encounter emotionally charged even before kick-off.
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Six minutes into the second half, Maradona challenged England goalkeeper Peter Shilton for a high ball and punched it into the net. Despite England’s protests, the goal stood.
Maradona later described it as being scored “a little by the hand of God”, creating one of football’s most famous phrases.
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But just four minutes later, he produced something completely different. Receiving the ball inside his own half, Maradona dribbled past five England players, ran almost half the pitch and finished brilliantly past Shilton.
The moment became known as the “Goal of the Century” and remains one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup. Gary Lineker pulled one back for England, but Argentina held on to win 2-1 before lifting their second World Cup title.
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1998: Beckham’s heartbreak and Argentina’s penalty triumph
The rivalry produced another classic in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16. England started brilliantly in France, with Michael Owen announcing himself on the global stage with a stunning solo goal.
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The teenager picked up the ball from midfield, raced past defenders and finished calmly to give England a 2-1 lead. But Javier Zanetti equalised before half-time with a clever free-kick routine. The biggest talking point came after the break.
Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone brought down David Beckham in midfield and, while Beckham was lying on the ground, Simeone tapped him on the head.
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Beckham reacted by kicking out at the Argentine midfielder, resulting in a straight red card. England played the remainder of the match with 10 men, but managed to survive until penalties. Argentina won the shootout 4-3 after Paul Ince and David Batty missed from the spot.
For Beckham, the red card turned him into a national villain back home, with newspapers heavily criticising the Manchester United midfielder.
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2002: Beckham gets revenge in Japan
Four years later, England and Beckham had the perfect opportunity for redemption. The teams met in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup in Japan, with both sides desperate for victory. The match was decided by one moment.
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Michael Owen was brought down inside the penalty area by Mauricio Pochettino, giving England a penalty. Beckham stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, scoring against Argentina four years after his infamous dismissal.
England’s defence held firm despite late Argentine pressure, securing a memorable 1-0 victory. The defeat proved costly for Argentina, who were eliminated in the group stage, their earliest World Cup exit since 1962.
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A rivalry waiting for its next iconic moment
Despite their history, Argentina and England have not faced each other in a competitive match since 2002. Now, 24 years later, the rivalry returns on the biggest stage.
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Argentina arrive as defending champions, powered by Lionel Messi’s final World Cup journey and a team built on resilience under Lionel Scaloni.
England enter with renewed belief under Thomas Tuchel, led by stars such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, hoping to end decades of waiting for another World Cup triumph.
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The stories of Maradona, Beckham, Simeone and Messi have already shaped this rivalry. Now a new generation has the chance to create its own chapter. Because when Argentina and England meet, history is never just remembered. It is rewritten.
Jannik Sinner is Wimbledon champion once again! The world No. 1 defeated Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling four-set final to defend his title. The turning point came when Zverev slipped and appeared to injure his knee in the third set, allowing Sinner to seize control. The Italian kept his composure, sealed his fifth Grand Slam crown, and celebrated by collapsing onto Centre Court in delight. For Zverev, there was still some consolation as he’ll rise to world No. 2 despite the defeat. Jean-Emile Jammine speaks with Italian tennis journalist, Ubaldo Scanagatta.
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has said the Super Falcons will approach the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) one match at a time as they aim to defend their continental title in Morocco.
The tournament will take place from 26 July to 16 August, with the Super Falcons drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.
Speaking to the NFF media team, the three-time reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year said the team would remain focused and avoid overconfidence throughout the competition.
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“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of overconfidence,” Nnadozie said.
“Our focus is on achieving two goals – winning the WAFCON title again and securing a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
The Paris FC goalkeeper welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, saying it would make the competition more competitive.
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She also dismissed suggestions that some groups are stronger than others, insisting that there are no easy opponents in African women’s football.
“I don’t believe any group is tougher than the others. There are no longer minnows in Africa. Every team deserves respect because the so-called smaller teams are eager to prove themselves,” she added.
Nnadozie expressed confidence in the Super Falcons’ quality but admitted the journey to another title would not be easy.
“We know what we are fighting for – the trophy and the World Cup ticket. It won’t be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria.”
Kayla McBride #21 of the Minnesota Lynx celebrates with teammates against the Phoenix Mercury in the fourth quarter at Target Center on July 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. David Berding/Getty Images/AFP
MINNEAPOLIS— Kayla McBride scored a season-high 37 points, rookie Olivia Miles had a career-high 33 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 104-100 in the WNBA on Monday night for their third straight victory.
McBride’s sixth 3-pointer gave Minnesota a 101-98 lead with 45.1 seconds left. Miles also had eight assists.
Miles drove into the lane and found Natasha Howard for a layup with 21.1 seconds left to make it 103-100. Courtney Williams had a steal at the other end, and Miles made 1 of 2 free throws for a four-point lead.
The game featured 23 lead changes and 13 ties — with both teams shooting 55% from the field. Minnesota (18-6) made 24 of 26 free throws.
McBride finished one point shy of her career high set in 2018. Miles became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists — doing it in 22 games.
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Kahleah Copper scored 26 points, and Alyssa Thomas had 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists for Phoenix (8-17).
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Tens of thousands of fans gathered outside Norway’s Royal Palace to welcome the national team players who returned home from their historic run to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. An estimated 90,000 supporters filled the palace square, giving the team a rousing welcome despite their 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in Miami on Saturday. The result marked Norway’s best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup. As the squad appeared on stage, players and fans joined together in the now-iconic “Viking Row” celebration that became a symbol of Norway’s memorable tournament.
🇳🇴 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧
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This is how the Norway national team were welcomed back in Oslo after their FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end.
A heartfelt reception from supporters, celebrating a memorable tournament despite their quarter-final exit.🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/quZhH7xl6E
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, shaking hands with the king and rowing with the rest of the royal family and what is said to have been around 88,000 attendees, was followed by an almost two-hour long bus parade down Karl Johans gate. The next stop was another round of rowing at Radhusplassen, before the bus continued into the late night hours of central Oslo.
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#FanáticosPlus | 🇳🇴⚔️ ¡Recibimiento de película para los Vikingos!
La afición de Noruega brindó un espectacular recibimiento a su selección, creando un ambiente inolvidable antes del gran desafío. Pasión, orgullo y una marea roja acompañando a los Vikingos. pic.twitter.com/JiVBEhC4uv
— World Cup 2026 Daily (@TotalFootball) July 13, 2026
“I don’t think anyone could have imagined this. The support we’ve received has been beyond all expectations, both in the US and here at home in Norway. It’s been absolutely incredible to see, said Martin Odegaard.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken said, “the King prepared us for what was coming. We were a little surprised too, that it was so huge. Otherwise, there were some healthy football discussions.
However, the team’s top scorer Erling Haaland was unable to attend the public celebration because he had another flight to catch to Italy.
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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Burnley have confirmed that South African striker Lyle Foster is once again receiving specialist care after seeking help for ongoing mental health challenges.
The Championship club said the 24-year-old is under the care of medical professionals and is getting the support he needs as he continues his recovery.
In a statement, Burnley said Foster has the full support of his family, teammates and everyone at the club. The club also appealed for privacy for the player and his loved ones, adding that no further updates will be provided at this time.
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This is not the first time Foster has faced mental health difficulties. The South Africa international has previously spoken openly about his battle with depression and anxiety. He stepped away from football to focus on his mental well-being before later returning to action.
The latest news comes shortly after South African football was saddened by the reported death of Jayden Adams, a development that has once again brought attention to the importance of mental health awareness and support in football.
Mental health remains an important issue across the sport, with clubs and football organisations continuing to encourage players to seek professional help whenever they need it.
The footballing world is set to witness the showdown it has been waiting for.
France and Spain will renew one of the most tantalising international rivalries in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
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2018 champions France are aiming to reach a third successive final, while 2010 winners Spain are bidding to become just the fourth team to hold both world and European crowns at the same time.
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Both squads are bursting with talent, but all eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
Mbappe’s global breakthrough came at the 2018 World Cup, when his quickfire double helped France beat Lionel Messi‘s Argentina in the last 16 on their way to winning a second champions’ star.
Outshining one of the greatest players of all time was the first indicator that a changing of the guard was on the horizon – but now there is a new global star.
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Eight years later, teenager Lamine Yamal is looking to replicate what Mbappe did to Messi and ignite on the biggest stage after a quiet debut World Cup so far.
‘Mbappe will become the greatest player we’ve ever had’
In 2022 Mbappe became only the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, after England‘s Geoff Hurst in 1966 [Getty Images]
It is hard to look past Mbappe as the best player in the world right now.
After scoring 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season – making him the top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League – he has helped establish France’s attack as the most fearsome at this World Cup.
The second-most expensive player in history leads the Golden Boot race along with Messi with eight goals in six games, and has made more goal contributions (11) than any other player.
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With 19 goals, if it were not for Messi (20), Mbappe would be the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record (16).
The only blot on his CV is that despite enjoying two magnificent individual seasons at Real Madrid, he is yet to win a major trophy in the Spanish capital.
After scoring in his first World Cup final, Mbappe scored a hat-trick in his second – but ended up on the losing side.
This summer the 27-year-old captain overtook Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading goalscorer, and now has 64 in 104 games.
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“For me it’s just ambition and confidence,” Giroud told BBC Match of the Day when asked about Mbappe’s remarkable rise.
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“He knows where he wants to go. He is a leader and you could see from a young age he was very at ease. He was mature for his age.”
Mbappe wants to break every record he can, but only if they serve the collective – it is no secret he is obsessed with equalling Pele’s record of three World Cup triumphs.
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“He’s carried this team through three successive World Cups where he has been the pivotal player,” says French football journalist Luke Entwistle.
Yet, after his arrival in Madrid coincided with back-to-back trophyless seasons for Real Madrid, he came into this World Cup with something to prove.
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“He’s put in great numbers, but the perception in France and abroad is that he’s a player who is detrimental to the collective,” adds Entwistle.
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“There was talk about needing to run more off the ball, doing more defensive work. He has put that into action. The way France have been winning the ball back high this tournament would not have been possible otherwise.”
Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini are widely regarded as the two greatest France players of all time, but French football expert Julien Laurens believes Mbappe will surpass them.
“I predict him to be the number one by the end of his career. He has at least one more World Cup after this and the Euros to play in so he will probably become the greatest player we have ever had.”
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‘The next 15 years belong to Lamine Yamal’
Lamine Yamal’s goal against Saudi Arabia made him just the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match after Pele [Getty Images]
Lamine Yamal only turned 19 on Monday, but he is already the best young forward on the planet.
A breakout 2023-24 season with Barcelona ended with him being included in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, and like Mbappe in 2018, he shone in his first major tournament and inspired his team to glory.
Last year he was the Ballon d’Or runner-up aged 18, but a hamstring injury sustained in April disrupted his preparations for the World Cup.
With just one goal in five starts, he certainly has not sparkled like Mbappe, Messi or Jude Bellingham.
“I ask him to be calm,” said manager Luis de la Fuente. “He came of age last year. He is 19. Now imagine I just told him to be calm, enjoy and forget about any anxiety. He should enjoy his football. The big day for Lamine has yet to come at this World Cup.”
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Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams‘ lack of fitness has forced manager Luis de la Fuente to tweak Spain’s style – the European champions created chaos down the wings, whereas the current side prioritise control.
“It means Lamine Yamal is working with less space, more defenders doubling up on him, and less dynamism in Spain’s game as a whole,” says Spanish football journalist Ruairidh Barlow.
“So to a certain extent, it’s logical that he isn’t dazzling. What De la Fuente and Spain need from him – banking on control of the game and a solid defence – is two or three moments per game in which he unlocks or unbalances the defence. So far he has more or less provided that.”
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De la Fuente reinforced that idea before Lamine Yamal won more duels than any of his team-mates in the quarter-final victory against Belgium.
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“This is the moment for him,” the manager said. “Not the moment to score 10 goals, but the moment to be decisive in decisive matches.”
The strength of this Spain team is rooted in the collective, but there is still a level of deference to the 19-year-old.
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“We sometimes forget his age and perhaps we demand too much of him, but he’s so capable,” Xavi, who gave Lamine Yamal his Barcelona debut, wrote in The Athletic.
“He has such an ability to do so many things on the pitch that his influence has grown. Team-mates search for him more. When there are problems at various points in the match, the ball goes to Lamine.
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“He’s a leader on the pitch who makes the difference at a young age – something we’ve only seen with Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele and maybe Ronaldo [Nazario].
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“The next 15 to 20 years belong to Lamine, if he wants.”
There is no denying Mbappe has far outperformed Lamine Yamal in front of goal this summer.
The Frenchman has scored eight goals from his 30 shots (27%), while Lamine Yamal has converted just one of his 23 shots (4%).
Mbappe has provided three assists to Lamine Yamal’s none and created 11 more chances, though the winger does edge it on expected assists (xA) though, which suggests he has created better chances but his team-mates simply have not been as clinical.
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Lamine Yamal has been far more successful with his dribbling, completing twice as many as the France forward, while he has also worked harder for his team defensively, making eight tackles to Mbappe’s one and winning the ball high up the pitch twice as often.
While France and Spain have only met once before at a World Cup – France came from behind to win 3-1 in the last 16 of the 2006 tournament – Mbappe and Lamine Yamal featured when the pair last faced each other at a major tournament.
Lamine Yamal scored a stunning equaliser as Spain came from behind to win 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
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Last summer Lamine Yamal scored twice and Mbappe once as Spain prevailed 5-4 in a thrilling Uefa Nations League semi-final.
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The Spaniard has ended up on the winning side in eight of his 10 previous meetings with Mbappe, though the Frenchman has scored an incredible nine goals in those 10 games compared with Lamine Yamal’s six.
The latest edition of this growing rivalry is undoubtedly the most important – the victor will be expected to go on to lift the World Cup in New Jersey on 19 July.
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