Latest news with #DidierDeschamps
Free Malaysia Today
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
AC Milan's Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal
Theo Hernandez is set to bolster the Saudi club's defence with his arrival. (EPA Images pic) PARIS : Saudi club Al-Hilal on Thursday signed AC Milan's French full-back Theo Hernandez on a three-year contract. The 27-year-old leaves the Serie A side in a deal worth €25 million (US$29.2 million), Italian media report. Hernandez has played 38 times for France with two goals and figured in the last World Cup, including the defeat by Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar. Moving to the Saudi Pro League a year before the next World Cup could be considered a risk for his chances of getting called up again by coach Didier Deschamps. But he can take encouragement that Deschamps selected N'Golo Kante for Euro 2024 whilst he was playing for another Saudi club, Al-Ittihad. Theo is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France defender Lucas Hernandez.
Arab News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
AC Milan's Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal
Paris: Saudi club Al-Hilal on Thursday signed AC Milan's French full-back Theo Hernandez on a three-year contract. The 27-year-old leaves the Serie A side in a deal worth 25 million euros ($29.2 million), Italian media report. Hernandez has played 38 times for France with two goals, and figured in the last World Cup, including the defeat by Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar. Moving to the Saudi Pro League a year before the next World Cup could be considered a risk for his chances of getting called up again by coach Didier Deschamps. But he can take encouragement that Deschamps selected N'Golo Kante for Euro 2024 whilst he was playing for another Saudi club, Al-Ittihad. Theo is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France defender Lucas Hernandez.
Mint
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
France's football union slams FIFA Club World Cup; calls it 'massacre' for players
France's Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP) has slammed FIFA's new Club World Cup, calling it a 'massacre' for players already worn out by packed schedules. The tournament has sparked major concerns about the health of players. The UNFP has accused FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, of ignoring the problem. The UNFP expressed their anger against the Club World Cup for pushing players to their limits. They called out FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, saying he's out of touch, living 'in an ivory tower' while players suffer. According to the UNFP, the tournament, which features 32 top teams, is more about money than caring for the sport's stars. 'The incongruity of the situation is not lost on anyone, except, of course, Gianni Infantino and his flatterers,' the UNFP said. The FIFA Club World Cup comes right after an already exhausting season, leaving players with no time to rest. Most countries have rules giving footballers at least three weeks off between seasons, but due to the ongoing tournament, it is not possible. For example, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stars like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue went straight from the Champions League to play for France, then to the US for the Club World Cup. This non-stop schedule can lead to burnout and injuries. The timing of the FIFA Club World Cup is causing chaos for clubs like PSG, who are already training for the Ligue 1 season starting in mid-August. Players aren't getting the rest they need, which could impact their performance. The UNFP also pointed out that France's national team might suffer, as coach Didier Deschamps prepares for 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September. 'A delay in preparation that must also worry Didier Deschamps,' the UNFP noted. The UNFP is demanding change by stating, 'It is urgent to stop this massacre game.' They want FIFA to respect players' right to rest and rethink the crowded calendar. The union also questioned Infantino, 'What do you say, Mr. Infantino?" UNFP's fight over the FIFA Club World Cup isn't just about one event, it's about the future of the sport. With legal battles and strike threats already in the air, the UNFP's statement points to FIFA needing to balance making money with keeping players healthy. If they don't, the sport could lose its shine.
Fox News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
UEFA Nations League: Mbappé nets 50th goal for France in third-place match
Kylian Mbappe helped France win the Nations League third-place match as Les Bleus rallied from a lethargic start to defeat host nation Germany 2-0 in the tournament's consolation match. Aurelien Tchouameni set up Real Madrid teammate Mbappé to score his 50th international goal just before the break after Germany had dominated the first half. Mbappé set up substitute Michael Olise to seal the result in the 84th after a much-improved second-half performance from the visitors. Mbappé's 50 goals is now just behind Thierry Henry (51) and Olivier Giroud (57) in the all-time men's scoring list for France. "If you look at the first half, honestly, they were not bothered winning. But they still won," Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said. France coach Didier Deschamps had made his lack of enthusiasm for the game clear the day before, noting his team had little to gain from playing it, and it was apparent which side was more motivated in front of the Stuttgart fans. "The game is there, we'll play it," Deschamps had said. France was without injured Paris Saint-Germain stars Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. Germany missed a host of chances then had Deniz Undav's equalizer ruled out for a foul by Niclas Fullkrug in the buildup. Both sides were forced to play for the consolation prize after losing their semifinals. Germany lost 2-1 to Portugal on Wednesday before France lost 5-4 to European champion Spain on Thursday. Spain was playing Portugal later in Munich. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paul Pogba targeting return to France team in time for 2026 World Cup
According to a report from RMC Sport, Paul Pogba (32) is targeting a return to the France national team, with the midfielder keen to be involved in Didier Deschamps' squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The 2018 World Cup winner is once more free to play football after his ban from the sport for doping charges was reduced from four years to 18 months. In January, the Frenchman was allowed to return to training, and then in March, he was allowed to play. Advertisement In November 2024, he agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Juventus. However, despite the ban coming to an end, he did not immediately return to club football and has instead opted to wait until after the 2024/25 season to join a new club. Recently, he has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 with AS Monaco reportedly close to agreeing a deal. It would be the first time that Pogba has tasted the French top flight. Despite having spent time at the Le Havre AC academy, he was snapped up by Manchester United, where he would go on to make his professional debut. GFFN | Nick Hartland
