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Kylian Mbappé struck twice as Real Madrid crushed Valencia 4-0 in their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night, extending their dominant run under Xabi Alonso. Vinícius Júnior missed a first-half penalty, but the Brazilian’s miss barely mattered on a night when his teammates dazzled. Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras also found the net as Los Blancos continued their fine form in both attack and defense. Real were in complete control throughout the game, enjoying nearly 65 percent possession and firing 21 shots, 11 of which were on target. Valencia never came close to challenging Real, managing just four attempts, with only one troubling the goalkeeper. The result strengthened Real’s position at the top of the table with 30 points from 11 matches, including 10 victories. In another fixture of the day, Villarreal thumped Rayo Vallecano 4-0 to climb to second place with 23 points from 11 games, overtaking Barcelona. The Catalan giants, with one match in hand, slipped to third with 22 points. Real’s aggressive start paid off in the 19th minute when César Tárrega handled the ball inside the box. Mbappé, who missed a spot kick against Barcelona last week, made no mistake this time to give his team the lead and register a goal in his eighth consecutive La Liga appearance.

Kylian Mbappe’s second-half strike secured Real Madrid a hard-fought 1–0 victory over nine-man Getafe on Sunday night, restoring Los Blancos to the top of La Liga after a dramatic clash at the Coliseum. The match turned chaotic in the final quarter-hour when Getafe saw two players sent off within seven minutes. Substitute Allan Nyom was dismissed less than a minute after coming on for elbowing Vinicius Junior. Shortly after, Mbappe broke the deadlock, finishing clinically through the goalkeeper’s gloves after racing onto a precise through ball from Arda Güler. Getafe’s woes deepened in the 84th minute when Álex Sáncris picked up a second yellow card and was also sent off. Real Madrid were far from their fluent best in the first half, struggling to convert possession into clear chances. They grew stronger after halftime, ultimately producing 23 attempts on goal — 10 on target — while limiting Getafe to just one shot on goal. Mbappe had several early opportunities, including an angled strike in the 8th minute and a long-range shot moments later, both denied by the Getafe keeper. David Alaba also came close with a curling free-kick just before halftime. Manchester United stun Liverpool at Anfield Manager Xabi Alonso’s introduction of Vinicius Junior in the second half added energy to the attack, and the breakthrough finally arrived after Nyom’s reckless foul left Getafe a man short. Despite being reduced to nine men, the hosts nearly stole a late equalizer when Abou Kamara found space in stoppage time, but Thibaut Courtois came off his line to make a crucial save and preserve Madrid’s lead. With eight wins from nine matches, Real Madrid climbed back to the top of the table with 24 points, two ahead of Barcelona, who sit on 22. The two giants will face off next Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu in the season’s first El Clásico — a match that could prove pivotal in the title race.

In a match defined by fierce rivalry between two of Madrid’s biggest clubs, Atletico Madrid delivered a statement win, handing Real Madrid their first defeat of the season with a resounding 5-2 victory at the Riyad Air Metropolitano. The win not only solidified Atletico’s dominance in the Madrid derby but also extended their unbeaten run against their rivals to six consecutive league meetings. The tension was palpable from the opening whistle. Atletico struck early through a Robin Le Normand header in the 14th minute, continuing their streak of scoring first in every league match this season. However, Real Madrid, who had been an impenetrable force this season, quickly found their footing. Kylian Mbappe and Arda Güler turned the game on its head with two quick goals, giving Real a 2-1 lead. For a moment, it seemed as though Los Blancos would maintain their perfect record. But Atletico refused to back down. Just before halftime, a towering header from Alexander Sørloth leveled the score at 2-2. The second half, however, belonged entirely to Diego Simeone’s men. The turning point came early when Julián Álvarez converted a penalty, restoring Atletico’s lead. Minutes later, the Argentine forward sealed his brace with a stunning curled free kick that left Thibaut Courtois helpless. As Real struggled to find a way back into the game, failing to record a single shot on target after halftime, Antoine Griezmann capped off the night with a final goal in extra time, completing the rout. Harry Kane hits 100 goals in 104 games as Bayern thrash Werder Bremen The loss raises serious questions for Real Madrid, who had conceded only three goals in their opening six matches, leaked five in one night. Though they edged possession, Alonso’s side managed just two shots on target, compared to Atletico’s seven. Despite the defeat, Real still provisionally sits at the top of the league table with 18 points, but their lead is now tenuous, as they are just two points ahead of Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Atletico climbed to fourth on 12 points from the same seven matches.  

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the season with arguably their most impressive performance yet, humbling Levante 4-1 away from home at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Tuesday night. All three of Real’s starting forwards showed their class, as the prolific Kylian Mbappe packed a second half brace to move to 9 goals from 7 games this season, after Vinicius Junior netted a spectacular goal and set up Franco Mastantuono for his first goal in a Madrid shirt - itself a spectacular strike - to put Real 2-0 ahead at halftime.  Vinicius found his form in Valencia, striking a brilliant opener with the outside of his boot in the 28th minute. Just 10 minutes later, the Brazilian winger threaded a ball to his Argentine teammate Mastantuono, who hit the roof of the net from a narrow angle with an outstanding strike to double Madrid’s advantage. Mastantuono's more advanced position as Rodrygo dropped to the bench to make way for an extra midfielder in Arda Guler away from home, was the key tactical change wrought by Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, and it seemed to work as the 18-year-old Argentine continued looking dangerous as he has all season, also hitting the woodwork in the 20th minute, when he got to a rebound off the Levante keeper first, from a 25-yard-punt by Vinicius. Real Madrid defender to miss ‘first’ El Clasico due to injury As the second half got underway, Levante signaled a comeback with forward Etta Eyong pulling one back with a stunning header in the 54th minute. But Mbappe restored the 36-time La Liga champions' two-goal lead just nine minutes later, after being brought down in the box and stepping up himself to put away a cool-headed 'Panenka' from the spot. Two minutes later in the 66th minute, Mbappe wrapped up the scoring for the night, outrunning the Levante defence without getting out of second gear, before rounding the keeper with ease and putting the ball in the net, after being played through by the precocious Guler. The result keeps Xabi Alonso’s side at the top of the table with six wins out of six for the full 18 points, stretching their lead to five points over reigning champions Barcelona, who travel to Real Oviedo on Thursday. Levante is languishing in 16th place with four points. Alonso was pleased with the performance but said it’s just the beginning for his team. The focus now shifts to the Madrid derby this Saturday. Two Real Madrid defenders sanctioned “We’re in a growth phase, still under construction. We’re 51 days in and there’s still a long way to go,” Alonso said in the post-match press briefing. “We’re building a solid foundation to be competitive in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Many people in the team feel connected and important.” Despite Real’s staggering form under him, the Spanish legend insisted there is room for improvement: “There are still some things to improve, but the path is looking good; not just because of the results but also because of the way we’re doing things.” He urged his players to maintain their momentum as well, stating, “We have to keep going, we can’t stop. This is just the beginning, and we want to keep competing well.”

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, with Kylian Mbappe scoring two crucial penalties to overturn an early deficit. The match was filled with incidents from the very beginning. The hosts suffered an early setback when full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with an injury just five minutes in, replaced by Dani Carvajal. Despite this, Madrid dominated the opening half, showcasing a relentless attacking approach. They recorded an astounding 28 shots, with 15 on target, while holding just over 40 percent of possession. Mbappe nearly scored a spectacular overhead kick in the second minute, and Franco Mastantuono hit the post moments later. However, it was Marseille who took a surprise lead in the 22nd minute, as Tim Weah finished a swift counter-attack started by Mason Greenwood. Real Madrid's pressure paid off just six minutes later when a clumsy challenge on Rodrygo resulted in a penalty. Mbappe stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to level the score. Madrid continued to pepper the Marseille goal, but goalkeeper Jeronimo Rulli was in top form, making a series of impressive saves to keep the score level at the break. Arsenal's Dowman could become youngest Champions League player as Madrid chases milestones The game’s dynamic shifted dramatically in the 70th minute when Dani Carvajal was shown a straight red card for headbutting Rulli after a confrontation, leaving the hosts with 10 men. Despite going down to 10 men, Madrid continued to look the more likely to find a winner, and after substitute Facundo Medina handled inside the box while challenging Vinicius Junior, the referee pointed to the spot for the second time. Once again, Mbappe took the responsibility, and smashed home the spot-kick to secure his 50th goal for the club and put Madrid ahead with less than 10 minutes to play. Marseille pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but the 15-time European champions held firm to start their group stage with a valuable three points.

Kylian Mbappé once again showcased his class, leading Real Madrid to a hard-fought victory against the odds. Playing with 10 men for over 60 minutes, Los Blancos pulled off a gritty 2–1 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, thanks to a goal and an assist from the French superstar. The victory maintained Real Madrid’s flawless start to the La Liga season. They have earned a perfect 12 points from their first four matches, topping the table as Xabi Alonso’s side chases the league crown. Returning from the international break, Kylian Mbappe proved decisive yet again. The French star opened the scoring and later set up Arda Güler for Madrid’s second goal, while Mikel Oyarzabal netted Sociedad’s lone goal. Madrid struck in just the second minute of the match when Güler found the net, but Mbappe was ruled offside in the build-up. Ten minutes later, the French star ledReturning from the international break, Kylian Mbappe proved decisive yet again. his team with a bullet shot, his fourth goal of the campaign. In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid’s rhythm was cooled down when young defender Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card for hauling down last man Mikel Oyarzabal from behind. Madrid’s protests for a VAR review were waved away, leaving Alonso fuming on the touchline and earning him a yellow card. It was the 20-year-old Spain international’s second red card in just eight appearances for his club. Despite the setback, Madrid extended their lead a minute before halftime. Mbappe once again dazzled, this time down the left flank. He skipped past a defender and cut the ball back for Güler, who controlled it well and finished from close range. Sociedad piled on the pressure after the break. Pablo Marín’s deflected strike hit both posts before rolling clear, and in the 55th minute, Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Dani Carvajal was penalized for a handball in the box. Oyarzabal came close again in the 65th minute but was denied by a sharp save from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper rescued Madrid once more in the 84th minute with another crucial stop from the Sociedad captain. Sociedad dominated possession with nearly 64 percent of the ball and fired 23 shots, but only four tested Courtois. In contrast, Madrid was more clinical, registering six shots on target from 16 attempts. The result leaves Sociedad languishing in 17th place with just two points from four matches, while Real Madrid continues to set the pace at the top. Their next league match will be played next Saturday against Catalan side Espanyol. Before that, Alonso’s team will host Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the heart of global football headlines during the ongoing international break. Portugal edged past Hungary in a tense World Cup qualifier, thanks to a late winner from João Cancelo. Yet, as so often, it was Ronaldo who stole the limelight not only for his performance but for another landmark goal that added weight to his legendary career. In the 58th minute, the Al Nassr striker calmly converted a penalty, putting Portugal ahead and etching his name into history yet again. With that strike, Ronaldo became the joint-highest scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 39 goals, standing shoulder to shoulder with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The milestone came just five days after Lionel Messi presumably played the last match of his career in the World Cup qualifiers on home soil with Argentina. Ronaldo’s penalty not only extended his personal tally but also widened the gap over his eternal rival. He now sits three goals ahead of Messi in qualifiers, underlining how the duel between the two greats continues to shape football’s narrative even in its twilight. With this latest addition, Ronaldo’s international goal count swelled to 141 in 223 appearances, the highest in men’s football. Messi, with 114 goals in 194 caps, trails by a significant margin, though still far ahead of Iran’s Ali Daei, who retired with 108 goals from 148 matches. But while Messi and Ronaldo remain the gold standard of international goal-scoring, a new generation has already started rewriting record books. France’s Kylian Mbappé, at just 26, surpassed Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 to become his country’s second-highest scorer with 52 goals. Now just five behind Olivier Giroud, Mbappé seems destined to become France’s all-time top scorer before long. With his pace, consistency, and age on his side, many believe he could eventually challenge Ronaldo’s monumental record. Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, still only 17, has already shown flashes of brilliance for La Roja. If his talent matures and injuries stay at bay, Yamal could well join the pantheon of international greats in the decades to come. Yet, amid this shifting landscape, one name stands out as a genuine threat to Ronaldo’s seemingly unbreakable record: Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old Norwegian forward, already a household name thanks to his club Manchester City, is rapidly building an international legacy of his own. Last night, Haaland spearheaded Norway’s extraordinary 11–1 demolition of Moldova, netting five goals in a single match. The performance elevated his international tally to 48 goals in just 45 appearances, giving him a jaw-dropping strike rate of 1.07 goals per game. To put that in perspective, Ronaldo averages 0.63, Messi 0.59, and Mbappé 0.57 goals per match. Haaland, in other words, is scoring at nearly double the rate of the two greatest of all time. Haaland’s meteoric rise is even more remarkable when you consider the timeline. Since debuting for Norway on September 5, 2019, he has amassed 48 goals in just six years. Ronaldo, by comparison, had scored 22 international goals at the same point in his career. Age is another factor tilting the balance. Ronaldo, who has hinted multiple times that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will likely be his last dance, is expected to retire at 41. Messi, at 38, remains undecided about extending his international journey that far. Haaland, however, has at least 13–15 prime years ahead. If his current scoring rate holds—even allowing for dips in form or injury breaks—he could end his career eclipsing Ronaldo’s all-time record. Of course, the caveat lies in Norway’s fortunes. Unlike Portugal or Argentina, the Norwegians are not perennial favorites at major tournaments. The fewer games his team plays in continental championships and World Cups, the fewer chances Haaland will have to add to his tally. Still, his efficiency is so staggering that even with limited opportunities, his pursuit of Ronaldo’s record feels inevitable rather than speculative. As football’s torch gradually passes from Ronaldo and Messi to the next generation, the question now lingers: will Haaland’s ruthless efficiency make him the new benchmark in international football? For now, Ronaldo’s crown remains intact. But with every Haaland hat-trick and brace, that once-untouchable record looks just a little more fragile.

Kylian Mbappé rescued France, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal with a record-equaling goal, and England found momentum under Thomas Tuchel as European soccer powerhouses took important steps toward the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland scored five goals in Norway’s 11-1 rout of Moldova despite playing with fresh facial stitches. England dominates Serbia England registered a commanding 5-0 win over Serbia as Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi scored their first international goals. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a header from Declan Rice’s corner and later set up England’s fourth goal following a red card to Serbia’s Nikola Milenkovic. “The energy has been higher and the level has been higher,” Kane said after the match. England now leads Group K by seven points over Albania. A win and two draws in the remaining group matches would secure their World Cup spot. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remained largely untested, with Serbia failing to register a single shot on target. France survives Iceland scare France held on with 10 men to beat Iceland 2-1, with Mbappé scoring a penalty and assisting Bradley Barcola’s second-half goal. Iceland initially took the lead after a defensive error by Michael Olise. France’s Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off in the second half, making the finish tense, but Les Bleus remain top of Group D. Ukraine’s qualification hopes dimmed after a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan. Portugal edges Hungary Portugal secured a 3-2 victory over Hungary thanks to Joao Cancelo’s 86th-minute winner. Ronaldo had earlier converted a penalty, equaling Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz’s record with his 39th World Cup qualifying goal, raising his overall international tally to 141. In Group F, Ireland’s dream of returning to the World Cup ended in a 2-1 loss to Armenia. Haaland stars in Norway’s 11-1 win Norway’s Erling Haaland scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as the team routed Moldova 11-1, extending their Group I lead over Italy to six points. Haaland played despite receiving stitches after a bus door accident. Austria moves closer to first World Cup since 1998 Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer scored as Austria defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in Group H. Austria now shares 12 points with Bosnia-Herzegovina but has a game in hand. Cyprus and Romania played out a 2-2 draw.

France captain Kylian Mbappé has withdrawn the legal case he filed against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for alleged moral harassment, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The Paris prosecutor’s office had earlier confirmed that an investigation had been opened after Mbappé filed the complaint earlier this year. However, the individual close to the French football star said Tuesday that the decision to end the criminal proceedings was part of a move toward reconciliation with his former club. The person, who is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, also confirmed that this development does not affect a separate legal procedure. Mbappé is still pursuing a case before an industrial tribunal seeking €55 million (approximately $61 million) in unpaid wages from the club. In his earlier complaint, Mbappé had accused PSG of ‘lofting’ him — a practice in France involving the isolation of a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons. The dispute began after Mbappé was sidelined prior to the 2023–24 season following his decision not to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 champions. Despite the earlier tension, the relationship between Mbappé and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has reportedly improved in recent weeks, according to Mbappé’s entourage. Mbappé left PSG in the summer to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after scoring a record 256 goals for the club over seven years. He is now set to face his former club in the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. PSG Overcomes Bayern in Dramatic Club World Cup Quarterfinal Amid Musiala’s Heartbreaking Injury Mbappé’s departure came amid deep tensions. Some fans booed him during his final home match at Parc des Princes, and PSG was reportedly disappointed after having offered him a record-breaking contract in 2022. The relationship soured further when, in June 2023, Mbappé informed the club he would not trigger the option for a contract extension. With just one year remaining on his deal, PSG risked losing him for free in 2024 and sought to sell him. Mbappé was subsequently left out of a preseason tour in Japan and South Korea and made to train with fringe players. Despite receiving a €300 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, he declined the move. Although PSG excluded him from their opening league match, Mbappé was eventually reinstated into the squad following further discussions with the club.

Days are counting close for the ever-prestigious Ballon d’Or award to announce its 2025 winner. Among so many raving performances from the world’s best players, the contest for the Ballon d’Or title hasn’t decayed a strand as feared for the post-Messi-Ronaldo era. Here are the names of the top 5 favourites for the title who have entertained the world of football throughout the 2024-2025 season. Ballon d'Or 2025 Power Rankings . Raphinha (Barcelona) Spotlights have been flooding Raphinha ever since he joined Barcelona and started manifesting his charismatic talent and skill by scoring consistently for the club. The charm beams even brighter after his 13 goals and nine assists performed in La Liga play, surpassing other title contenders. Everyone questioned when Barcelona, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, showed interest in Raphinha, who later cleared the doubts by leading the club to several victories. After a dreamlike Champions League in which Raphinha scored nine goals and assisted four more, the flashiest hattrick against Bayern Munich, and an epic La Liga, Raphinha is flaming with 31 goals and 21 assists right now. Barcelona, currently dominating La Liga, playing the semi-final in Copa del Rey, preparing for a comeback in the Champions League, and reforming under their new manager Hansi Flick, depends much on the magical chances the young Brazilian creates with his feet. Read more: Thousands welcome football star Hamza Choudhury home to his village in Sylhet Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) Kylian Mbappe’s start at Real Madrid was nothing remarkable, yet the French star didn’t take long before exploding into life and becoming the undisputed best in the Galactico-laden Real Madrid. Even after spending the first three months struggling to score consistently, he has reminded the world how easy for him to do what seems impossible for others by scoring 31 goals and assisting with another 5 in the season’s rest. Though he still lacks his signatory creative work, thanks to his new position as the centre-mid, the 2018 World Cup winner declared his revival with a gripping hat-trick against Manchester City last month. It’s also no wonder how much Mbappe craves the Ballon d’Or title, given that his own country confers the award. With his newly realized comfort among his teammates in his new club, he now rushes forward to touch that dream. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Everything has been favouring Mohamed Salah, leading him fast to the Ballon d’Or’s golden ball until the rhythm fell with Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League in the Round of 16. Things have gone even more south after his lacklustre presence against PSG and with his contract at Liverpool ending this summer.  With a staggering show of rediscovered form, scoring 34 goals and 22 assists, the Egyptian King has kindled hope of becoming the first African Ballon d’Or winner since George Weah in 1995. If everything were set for perfection, the 2025 title bestowing on him would be well-judged. Now with no big international club games up front and an impotent summer ahead, Mohamed Salah’s hope for Ballon d’Or may seem slim; nevertheless, it lives to see how other contenders leverage their summer. Read more: BFF names UCB as sponsor of National Men’s Football team for next five years Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) Harry Kane, the 31-year-old Bayern Munich frontrunner, is still sensational and giving his best to win his first-ever international trophy. Kane has been the ideal number 9 for his club under any coach, with an armament of polished skills to lead an attack or cook a quick counter-attack. Bagging 35 goals and 11 assists for his club, Kane is as dangerous as ever, showing no weakness or reluctance to stop too soon. Though he is in close combat with Lewandowski in goal count, he stands above with a higher assist number. Ballon d’Or voters have always been demonstrating with their winners that goals alone can’t help players win the trophy. And only a few players can match the versatility Harry Kane radiates on the field. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain) Paris Saint-Germain homeboy Ousmane Dembele shines the brightest in his career with his head-turning performance both in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Since leaving Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona, he has been facing despise for his struggle to demonstrate his potential on the field. But the young French striker rebounds like a mammoth in the middle of his second season playing for PSG. With 31 goals and seven assists, he is now carrying the torch of his club’s hope to reach the end of its leagues. Conclusion Only a few international events took place in the last season, leaving the Ballon d’Or authority with no choice but to appraise contenders mostly based on their club performances. Players from the most popular clubs are rooting for their chance to grab the honour that comes with the Ballon d’Or 2025 win, making fans hold their breath and cross their fingers out of the sheer thrill of watching a close fight among their heroes. Read more: Bangladesh-origin English Premier League footballer Hamza Chowdhury arrives Monday