Latest news with #RMCSport
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Achraf Hakimi gains French media support for Ballon d'Or candidacy
Following a widespread Moroccan social media campaign, French sports media is now backing Achraf Hakimi's candidacy for the Ballon d'Or, as the debate intensifies ahead of the vote. On RMC Sport, football analyst Jean-Michel Larqué argued that Hakimi deserves recognition, stating that «it would be good for football» to see a defender win the award. He praised the Moroccan international for having «reinvented the full-back position» and called the PSG duo of Hakimi and Nuno Mendes «by far the best pair of full-backs in the world». Kevin Diaz, speaking on the After Foot show, went further, saying he would rank Hakimi as his top pick, citing the player's consistency and overall career. He also pointed to Hakimi's standout stats this season, 10 goals and 12 assists, «the stats of a forward in many leagues», he noted. Football legends like Cafu and Ronaldo (the Brazilian) have also publicly supported Hakimi's nomination. French commentators emphasize his versatility and influence on modern football, highlighting his ability to play both as a defender and an attacking midfielder. While names like Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé are among the current frontrunners, some voices in the French media argue that defenders like Hakimi deserve more recognition and that breaking the tradition of favoring attacking players would be a positive shift for the award. For the record, the 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or will take place on Monday, September 22, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlético Madrid interested in Strasbourg captain
Atlético Madrid are interested in signing RC Strasbourg Alsace captain Habib Diarra (21), according to RMC Sport. Initial contact has been made between both clubs, with English sides also reportedly interested. RMC Sport report that the transfer fee for Diarra could surpass €25m. While Strasbourg will compete in next year's UEFA Conference League, a move to the Spanish capital would allow Diarra the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football. Advertisement Diarra has made 102 appearances for Strasbourg in midfield. The 2024-25 campaign was the most successful of Diarra's emerging career – he finished with four goals and five assists in Ligue 1. Diarra also has 11 international appearances for Senegal. Having come through the French international youth system, Diarra switched to represent his birth nation, Senegal, in March 2024. Most recently, he scored as Senegal became the first African side to beat England, earning a 3-1 victory earlier this month. As confirmed by club president Marc Keller, Diarra will be allowed to leave RCSA this summer. GFFN | Ed Marsh
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool defender under fire after Nations League collapse
Ibrahima Konaté Falters on International Stage as France Crumble to Spain Liverpool defender struggles in 5-4 defeat, drawing scathing reviews from French media As the Premier League season fades into the rear-view mirror and many players sink into summer mode, the international calendar continues to serve up high-stakes fixtures—and for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, Thursday night in Stuttgart was a brutal reminder that reputations are fragile and form is fleeting. Spain Expose France—and Konaté Tasked with anchoring France's defence in a UEFA Nations League semi-final against reigning European champions Spain, Konaté endured a torrid evening. Despite the final scoreline reading 5-4, a late flurry from Les Bleus papered over what had been, for long stretches, a harrowing performance. Advertisement France were 5-1 down with 11 minutes left. The comeback, spirited though it was, came too late to mask the defensive disarray that had preceded it. At the centre of that collapse stood Konaté. Handed a rare starting opportunity in the absence of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, the Liverpool centre-back was expected to lead from the back. Instead, his display became a focal point for criticism back home. French Media Slam Konaté's Performance Respected outlet RMC Sport delivered a damning verdict: 2 out of 10. The 26-year-old was lambasted for his role in Mikel Oyarzabal's opening goal and accused of 'suffering greatly' as the Spanish attack ran riot. Advertisement He 'was not the leader we know,' the outlet added, pointing to a lack of authority alongside Clément Lenglet and a tendency to gift possession in dangerous areas. Foot Mercato echoed those sentiments, also awarding Konaté a 2/10 rating. A 'solid start' quickly unravelled into a 'collapse,' with the defender reportedly 'trembling' in the face of Spanish pressure and unable to bring calm to a crumbling backline. A Missed Opportunity in More Ways Than One For Konaté, this was more than just a bad night—it was a missed opportunity to solidify his standing in Didier Deschamps' plans ahead of Euro 2028. While he is frequently called up, he remains behind Saliba and Upamecano in the pecking order. Thursday was supposed to be a statement; instead, it may be remembered as a setback. Advertisement It could also complicate matters at club level. Liverpool are currently locked in contract talks with the defender, who is reportedly seeking a substantial wage increase. While one match does not define a career, such high-profile errors under the spotlight won't help his bargaining position. Third-Place Playoff Now the Consolation Prize Now, Konaté will face club teammate Florian Wirtz and Germany in Sunday's third-place playoff—a somewhat hollow consolation given both nations had eyes on the final. As Liverpool's players scatter across the globe for summer duty, Konaté's difficult night stands out. While others soak up plaudits or sunshine, the Frenchman is left facing questions—both from his national selectors and his club negotiators.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Prosecutors in sexual assault case against Dimitri Payet 'seek dismissal due to lack of evidence' - with former West Ham star accused of forcing ex-mistress to 'film bizarre sex acts' and 'drink her own urine'
Prosecutors in the sexual and physical assault case against Dimitri Payet have requested for the complaint to be dismissed, reports in Brazil claim. The former West Ham and France star stands accused of 'physical and psychological violence' towards his former 'mistress', Brazilian lawyer Larissa Natalya Ferrari, who was allegedly forced to drink her own urine and lick the floor during a turbulent seven-month affair. Last month, Brazilian outlet G1 claimed to have obtained a document with details of the case in which the lawyer attested to suffering from borderline personality disorder, believing the former Rio de Janeiro-based Vasco da Gama star took advantage of her condition. 'Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me,' she is reported to have said by G1. 'Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts.' However, according to RMC Sport via Brazilian outlet Extra, the prosecutor's office is now seeking to dismiss the complaint due to a lack of evidence required to charge the 38-year-old. The report states that the plaintiff's defence has appealed the decision. Last month reports claimed that Payet had denied 'physical and psychological violence' towards his 'mistress' in a statement to Brazilian police. The Frenchman was reportedly heard at the Women's Assistance Police Station where he admitted to having a relationship with Ferrari but insisted every act during their union was consensual. Furthermore, Payet, who left his wife of almost 20 years Ludivine and their four children back in his homeland during his time in Brazil, was alleged to have admitted to the acts but maintained that they were consensual and proposed by Ferrari. G1's report mentioned an encounter when Ferrari 'requested slaps during sexual intercourse' and as a result, developed marks on her body. The Frenchman also reportedly claimed that the two used wooden chairs during sexual intercourse, and that, due to Ferrari's light skin, any pressure would lead to marks. It followed Ferrari's impassioned public plea for 'justice', in a statement in which she claimed to have been 'humiliated' by the 38-cap former Les Blues star. 'I want justice because he abused my psychological vulnerability to gain sexual advantage,' she told AFP. 'He demanded proof of love from me, which consisted of humiliation. 'I recorded videos in which I drank my urine, drank water from the toilet bowl, and licked the floor. I'm a lawyer, I would never have made such serious complaints lightly.' It was claimed that Payet refused Ferrari's desire to continue this relationship in France, on the condition he pay her expenses, as his time in the country approached its end. According to the player, the lawyer's behaviour changed from then on, leading to her threatening to 'expose his secrets' if he did not respond within four hours of her birthday message. Payet's lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: 'It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. The defense is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts.' Payet is widely regarded as one of West Ham's most talented players this century but left under a cloud to re-join Marseille after just 18 months in 2017. He stays at the Stade Velodrome for six-and-a-half years before moving to Brazil in 2023. In March, Larissa revealed that they had had a seven-month affair. She wrote in a lengthy statement: 'One thing I want to make clear is that it was never about money. There was no need for it. 'There's not much I can say because there's no explanation or anything to justify it. 'But one thing I want to make extremely clear is that it was never for money, not before, not now. In fact, the last time I went to Rio, I went by bus.' Larissa, who is a mother of two, also claimed that she only got physically involved with the midfielder following her divorce from her ex-husband.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Paris FC make contact for Saint-Étienne's Lucas Stassin and Auxerre's Gaëtan Perrin
Newly promoted Paris FC will look to build a competitive but measured squad for their first-ever Ligue 1 season, with the Arnault family reportedly keen to ensure a sustainable top-flight future. According RMC Sport the club, a transfer budget between €80m and €100m is being prepared, with the aim of securing a 'comfortable' survival — defined as finishing between 8th and 12th. Paris FC are keeping a low profile on their transfer targets but are understood to have made initial contact with Auxerre's Gaëtan Perrin (28) and Saint-Étienne's young breakthrough star this season Lucas Stassin (20) among others. The club is reportedly prioritising French-speaking players with Ligue 1 experience. Five or six signings are expected to arrive before pre-season begins in early July, with two to three more expected by the end of August. RMC Sport report that an experienced, emblematic figure is being pursued — either a defensive midfielder (No.6) or a centre-back capable of embodying the new-look PFC project. Red Bull, a minority shareholder in the club, is also reportedly assisting the sporting leadership through its scouting database and recruitment network. GFFN | George Boxall
