Lassine Sinayoko scored a hat-trick as Paris FC claimed a historic 3-2 victory over Marseille, while Assane Diao and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also made decisive contributions during a prolific weekend for African players in Europe’s top five leagues.

Sinayoko needed only 25 seconds to give Paris FC the lead at the Stade Velodrome, sliding Luca Koleosho’s inviting cross into the net. It was the fastest Ligue 1 goal in more than two years.

The Mali international struck again in the 19th minute, rising to meet Pablo Pagis’ dangerous delivery. His header took a deflection on its way into the goal, restoring Paris FC’s advantage after Marseille had twice responded through Amine Gouiri.

Sinayoko completed his treble late in the game from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after a VAR review awarded a handball. The result secured a landmark win for Paris FC.

Assane Diao scored twice as Como maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with an impressive 4-1 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Genoa had taken a surprise lead shortly before the 20-minute mark when Milutin Osmajic converted Lorenzo Colombo’s cutback. Como levelled quickly through Martin Baturina, whose low shot found the far corner.

Diao then put the visitors in front after goalkeeper Justin Bijlow made an error. The Senegal forward’s controlled volley squeezed underneath the goalkeeper, prompting an animated celebration from Como head coach Cesc Fabregas on the touchline.

Nico Paz added a third before the interval, giving Como a commanding advantage. The visitors controlled the second half while continuing to threaten, and Diao completed his brace in the 78th minute by calmly finding the far corner after substitute Moise Kean supplied the assist.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also influential as Deportivo A Coruna came from behind twice to defeat Villarreal 3-2 in a thrilling LaLiga match.

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring after 19 minutes. He took advantage of hesitant goalkeeping from Leo Roman before lifting a composed left-footed finish into the far corner for his second goal of the season.

Aubameyang then turned provider, setting up Lusimi Cruz to equalise with a clinical half-volley shortly before half-time. Villarreal, known as the Yellow Submarine, regained the lead when Adama Traore turned the ball into his own net.

Deportivo responded almost immediately. Aubameyang created the equaliser for substitute Zakaria Eddahchouri before scoring the winner himself in the 89th minute. He intercepted a loose pass, raced clear and fired a powerful right-footed shot beyond Luiz Junior.

The goal extended the Gabon striker’s scoring run to four consecutive LaLiga matches and lifted Deportivo into the top four.

Bryan Mbeumo produced a moment of individual brilliance for Manchester United, but Everton snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Cameroon international had been a constant threat and opened the scoring only 61 seconds after half-time. Receiving the ball on the right, he cut inside, resisted two challenges and curled an inch-perfect effort from 18 yards into the bottom corner.

Mbeumo had earlier been involved in one of United’s best first-half attacks. Luke Shaw’s cross reached him at the far post and his cushioned header set up Bruno Fernandes, whose volley struck the crossbar.

Everton equalised through Tyrique George seven minutes from full-time, but Benjamin Sesko headed Manchester United back in front in the 88th minute. Ainsley Maitland-Niles then completed a remarkable debut by curling in a 96th-minute equaliser, extending Everton’s unbeaten start to four matches.

In Germany, Algeria international Ibrahim Maza scored a superb goal as Bayer Leverkusen beat Union Berlin 4-0 at the BayArena.

Leverkusen made a flying start, taking the lead after just 41 seconds through Equi Fernandez. Facundo Medina headed in a second before Patrik Schick added another shortly after the restart.

Maza completed the rout in the 60th minute. He combined brilliantly with Schick before driving a powerful right-footed strike high into the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Serhou Guirassy helped Borussia Dortmund recover from two goals down to beat Hoffenheim 3-2.

The hosts appeared on course for victory after Leon Avdullahu and Tim Lemperle had given them a commanding lead. Guirassy, however, revived Dortmund’s hopes on the hour, showing composure to dink the ball over the goalkeeper after Waldemar Anton won possession and found him in the box.

The Guinea international soon became provider, threading a precise pass through to substitute Fabio Silva, who finished superbly from an angle to make it 2-2.

Dortmund completed the comeback three minutes from time when Albian Hajdari inadvertently turned Ethan Nwaneri’s cross into his own net.

Kamory Doumbia scored both goals as Brest secured their first Ligue 1 win of the season, beating 10-man Le Havre 2-1 at Stade Oceane.

The Mali midfielder opened the scoring after 10 minutes by converting a penalty awarded when goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau brought down Ludovic Ajorque.

Le Havre’s task became more difficult before half-time as Junior Mwanga was sent off for pulling down Mama Balde while last man. Doumbia doubled Brest’s advantage six minutes after the interval, arriving inside the box to meet Balde’s pass and finish from close range.

Rayan Fofana reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Doumbia’s brace secured all three points for the visitors.

Nice and Le Mans remain without a Ligue 1 win after drawing 1-1 at the Allianz Riviera, with Adil Bourabaa and Elye Wahi both finding the net.

Bourabaa stunned Nice in the 13th minute with a spectacular 25-yard strike into the far corner. Nice increased the pressure and equalised shortly before the break when Sofiane Diop sent Wahi through on goal.

Wahi showed excellent composure to round Ewan Hatfout and finish from a tight angle, scoring his first goal of the season.

A woman says she was raped during a match at Olympique de Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, according to an account she shared on social media.

The incident came to public attention after the woman described what had happened herself online. The details made available do not identify the match, the alleged assailant or the precise area of the stadium where the incident is said to have taken place.

Olympique de Marseille has issued a statement expressing its full support for the woman. The club’s response followed the publication of her account and acknowledged the seriousness of what she had reported.

The allegation concerns an incident during a match at the club’s home ground, one of the most prominent football stadiums in France. No further information about the circumstances has been provided in the source account.

The woman referred to the incident in a social-media post using the phrase: “????? ??? «???????????» ?? «?????????».” The wording can be translated as: “Such ‘harassment’ at the Velodrome.”

Her decision to speak publicly was the means by which the alleged incident became known. The account prompted a formal reaction from the Marseille hierarchy, which said it stood fully behind her.

The club’s statement did not, according to the information available, provide details about any investigation, identify a suspect or outline whether the matter had been reported to the authorities. There is also no information in the source account about possible legal proceedings or any action taken inside the stadium.

The allegation has therefore been reported on the basis of the woman’s own testimony and the club’s public expression of support. It is not clear from the available information when the match took place or whether the fixture was a home league game or part of another competition.

Stade Velodrome, formally known as Orange Velodrome, is the home of Olympique de Marseille. The source refers to the venue as “Velodrome” and describes the alleged incident as having happened while a match was being played there.

The club has not released further details in the information provided. There has also been no public response cited from any alleged perpetrator.

The case places the focus on the woman’s account of what happened inside the Marseille stadium and on the club’s stated commitment to supporting her. Until more information becomes available, the circumstances surrounding the allegation remain limited to the description shared on social media and the brief statement issued by Olympique de Marseille.

Former Anzhi footballer Shamil Lakhiyalov has highlighted Matvey Safonov’s achievements after the goalkeeper was named among the contenders for the 2026 award for the best goalkeeper.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the online publication Euro-Football.Ru, Lakhiyalov discussed Safonov’s inclusion on the list and pointed to the goalkeeper’s success with PSG during the previous season.

Safonov helped PSG win the Champions League last season, an achievement that stands at the centre of the discussion surrounding his place among the nominees for the 2026 award. Lakhiyalov’s assessment was clear: the goalkeeper’s recent campaign provides a strong reason for pride.

“There is something to be proud of,” Lakhiyalov said in comments about Safonov.

The former Anzhi player was asked specifically about Safonov’s appearance on the list of contenders for the title of the best goalkeeper of 2026. His response came after a season in which Safonov was part of the PSG team that won the Champions League.

That European triumph is the key fact cited in connection with Safonov’s candidacy. The goalkeeper’s name is now included among those being considered for the 2026 award, while Lakhiyalov has publicly acknowledged the significance of the achievement.

Safonov’s recognition follows a campaign that ended with PSG winning the Champions League. Lakhiyalov’s remarks link that team success directly with the goalkeeper’s standing among the contenders for the individual honour.

The comments were made exclusively to Euro-Football.Ru, which reported Lakhiyalov’s view on Safonov’s nomination. No further details about the list of contenders or the award were given in the report.

For Lakhiyalov, the focus is therefore on the achievement already secured by Safonov: winning the Champions League with PSG in the previous season. That success has been followed by the goalkeeper’s inclusion in the list for the 2026 best-goalkeeper award.

The report does not provide additional information about the other candidates, the voting process or the date of the award. It does, however, record Lakhiyalov’s positive reaction to Safonov’s presence among the contenders and his belief that the goalkeeper has an accomplishment of which he can be proud.

Former L’Equipe executive Jean-Philippe Leclerc believes there is no clear favourite to win the award for the world’s best goalkeeper, with Russia international Matvey Safonov among the 10 nominees.

“There is no clear favourite,” Leclerc said when assessing the contenders for the prize, which will be presented on 26 October.

Safonov’s chances have attracted attention after a successful season in which he collected several trophies, including the Champions League. The Russian goalkeeper conceded 28 goals in 27 appearances across all club competitions and recorded 12 clean sheets.

The award recognises the goalkeeper judged to have performed best over the year. Safonov is included on a shortlist of 10 candidates, but Leclerc does not believe one player has established a decisive advantage over the rest of the field.

His assessment suggests the final outcome remains open ahead of the ceremony. Rather than pointing to a single outstanding contender, Leclerc highlighted the lack of an obvious leader among the nominated goalkeepers.

Safonov’s statistical record forms the main basis for his claim. Across his 27 matches in club football during the previous season, he allowed 28 goals and finished 12 games without conceding. His contribution also came during a campaign in which he ended the season with a collection of major honours, including European football’s premier club trophy.

The former L’Equipe executive also considered the position of Unai Simon, who represents Athletic Bilbao. Simon was identified as the best goalkeeper at the most recent World Cup, but Leclerc noted that he did not achieve anything with his club.

That contrast is part of the discussion surrounding the award. Simon’s reputation was strengthened by his performances for his national team at the last World Cup, while Safonov’s case is supported by his achievements and record at club level during the past season.

However, Leclerc’s conclusion was that neither goalkeeper, nor any other nominee, could yet be regarded as an undisputed favourite. The award will therefore be decided from a field in which the leading candidates have different claims, with Safonov’s trophies and clean-sheet record set against Simon’s standing as the outstanding goalkeeper of the most recent World Cup.

The winner will be announced on 26 October. Until then, Safonov remains one of 10 contenders for the honour, while Leclerc’s view is that the competition is too evenly balanced for a clear front-runner to emerge.

Matvey Safonov’s wife, Marina Kondratyuk, was unable to hold back her tears after the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was included among the 10 nominees for the goalkeeper of the year award.

Kondratyuk commented on Safonov’s nomination, which recognises the Russian goalkeeper’s standing among the leading players in his position. The announcement represents the latest significant moment in the career of a player who has established himself as PSG’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Safonov moved to the French club in the summer of 2024, signing a long-term contract. Since joining the Parisian side, he has competed for the starting position and, during the previous season, became the club’s number one after displacing Lucas Chevalier.

The goalkeeper has retained that role at the beginning of the new season. Safonov is again PSG’s first-choice goalkeeper, placing him in a prominent position as he competes for one of the most notable individual honours available to players in his position.

His inclusion on the 10-player shortlist follows his progress since arriving in France. The nomination also highlights the importance of his role at PSG, where he has continued to be selected ahead of Chevalier at the start of the current campaign.

Kondratyuk’s emotional reaction came after Safonov’s name was included among the contenders for the award. Her response followed the announcement that the goalkeeper had been recognised alongside the other nominees.

The final result will be announced on 26 October, when the identity of the goalkeeper of the year will be confirmed. Until then, Safonov remains one of the players in contention for the prize after becoming PSG’s established first-choice goalkeeper.

The nomination comes after a period in which Safonov has strengthened his position at the French club. He joined PSG in 2024 on a long-term deal and subsequently moved ahead of Lucas Chevalier in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

At the start of the new season, the Russian remains the player selected to start in goal for PSG. His continued status as the Parisian club’s number one has now been followed by recognition in the shortlist for the goalkeeper of the year award.

Safonov’s wife, Kondratyuk, publicly commented on the nomination, while the award itself will be decided later in October. The winner will be revealed on 26 October, bringing an end to the process that has placed Safonov among the 10 candidates for the honour.

Former goalkeeper Vladimir Pilgui believes Matvey Safonov may face an uphill task to win France Football’s award for the best goalkeeper after being nominated for the first time.

The Russian goalkeeper has been included on the list of contenders for the prize awarded by France Football, following a season in which he collected three major honours.

Safonov, 27, won the French championship, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup during the previous season. Those achievements have placed him among the goalkeepers being considered for the individual award.

However, Pilgui says the fact that Safonov is a first-time nominee could work against him when the winner is selected.

According to the former goalkeeper, the prize is rarely given to a footballer who has been nominated for it for the first time. His assessment suggests that Safonov’s impressive list of team honours may not, by itself, be enough to secure the individual recognition.

Safonov’s inclusion on the France Football shortlist represents acknowledgement of his performances during the campaign. The nomination also comes after a season defined by success in domestic, European and international club competition.

The 27-year-old’s honours included the French championship, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. Those victories form the central basis of his claim for the award and provide the main context for his place among the nominated goalkeepers.

Pilgui’s view is not that Safonov lacks achievements, but that the voting history of the award can make it difficult for a goalkeeper to succeed at the first attempt. The former goalkeeper therefore considers Safonov’s chances in the light of both his successful season and the usual experience of first-time nominees.

The nomination means Safonov is officially part of the group competing for France Football’s goalkeeper award. The final outcome will determine whether his contribution to a season containing three trophies is enough to overcome the disadvantage Pilgui associates with being considered for the prize for the first time.

For now, the Russian goalkeeper’s case rests on the honours won over the previous season and his presence on the France Football list. Pilgui has highlighted the significance of that first nomination as the main obstacle to Safonov receiving the award.

Alexander Mostovoy has questioned whether Matvey Safonov can be named the world’s best goalkeeper at this year’s Lev Yashin Trophy awards, presented by France Football.

Safonov, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Russia national team, is one of 10 goalkeepers shortlisted for the prize. The award is given annually to the goalkeeper judged to have produced the strongest performances during the year.

Mostovoy, a former footballer, has shared his assessment of Safonov’s prospects in the race for the honour named after Lev Yashin. His view is that the 27-year-old will not go on to win the award, despite being included among the final candidates.

The nomination places Safonov in a group of 10 goalkeepers competing for one of the most prominent individual accolades available to players in his position. His inclusion means his performances have been recognised at an international level, with France Football considering him alongside the other shortlisted goalkeepers.

Safonov played 27 matches for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions during the most recent season. He kept a clean sheet in 12 of those appearances, meaning his side prevented the opposition from scoring in nearly half of the games in which he featured.

Those figures form the statistical background to his nomination and to the discussion surrounding his chances of winning the Lev Yashin Trophy. Safonov’s record includes 12 matches without conceding, while his total number of appearances was 27 across all tournaments.

The award’s name honours Lev Yashin, the celebrated former Soviet goalkeeper, and the trophy is presented by France Football to recognise the leading goalkeeper of the year. Safonov’s presence on the 10-player list gives him the opportunity to compete for that distinction, although Mostovoy does not believe the nomination will result in victory.

The former player’s comments therefore focus on Safonov’s prospects rather than his eligibility for the award. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has already secured a place among the shortlisted candidates, but Mostovoy has drawn a distinction between being nominated and ultimately finishing as the winner.

For now, Safonov remains one of the 10 goalkeepers in contention for the Lev Yashin Trophy. His 27 appearances and 12 clean sheets from the previous season will be part of the profile considered in the awards discussion, while Mostovoy’s prediction is that the Russia international will not claim the prize.

Matvey Safonov has been included on the list of contenders for France Football’s goalkeeper of the year award, prompting Russian television presenter and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev to say he would not be surprised if the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper won the prize.

“I would not be surprised if Safonov wins the goalkeeper of the year award,” Guberniev said.

Safonov, who represents both the Russia national team and Paris Saint-Germain, is being considered after a highly successful campaign at club level. The goalkeeper helped his side win the French title and also lifted the Champions League last season.

However, Guberniev believes Safonov’s chances of taking the award are not especially strong because Russia will not be involved at the 2026 World Cup.

The absence of Russia from football’s biggest international tournament could count against Safonov when his performances are assessed, according to the expert. Despite that potential disadvantage, Guberniev still considers the goalkeeper a credible candidate and has not ruled out a surprise victory.

Safonov’s inclusion comes after a season in which he added major honours to his career. The former Krasnodar goalkeeper became a champion of France and a Champions League winner, achievements that have strengthened his case for recognition among the leading goalkeepers of the year.

For Safonov, the nomination represents acknowledgement of his contribution at Paris Saint-Germain and places him in contention for an individual award selected by France Football. The goalkeeper’s club success provides the central part of his claim, while the lack of a World Cup campaign with Russia remains the main concern identified by Guberniev.

The debate over Safonov’s prospects is therefore likely to focus on the balance between his achievements for Paris Saint-Germain and the opportunities available to goalkeepers representing countries at the 2026 World Cup. Guberniev’s assessment is that the Russian goalkeeper may not be the favourite, but that his chances should not be dismissed.

Safonov’s place on the shortlist means he will be judged alongside other contenders for France Football’s annual goalkeeper award. Regardless of the final result, his selection follows a season in which he won both the French championship and the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.

Former Krasnodar goalkeeper Alexander Filtsov says Matvey Safonov has a genuine chance of winning the Lev Yashin Trophy after being nominated for the award given to the best goalkeeper of 2026.

Safonov’s nomination was welcomed by Filtsov as recognition not only for the goalkeeper himself but also for the wider Russian goalkeeping tradition and the people who have supported his development.

Speaking exclusively to online publication Euro-Futbol.Ru, Filtsov said: “This is pleasing for the entire Russian school of goalkeeping. It is pleasing for those who invested their strength, soul and opportunities in Matvey. It is also pleasing for him personally, because over the past two years he has won a number of important trophies and tournaments. Therefore, everything is logical.”

Safonov is among the contenders for the prize named after Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or. The 2026 award will recognise the goalkeeper judged to have produced the strongest performances during the year.

Asked whether Safonov could claim the trophy, Filtsov gave an emphatic response.

“Of course. He is a two-time winner of the UEFA Champions League in consecutive seasons, and he also has a number of cups. I hope that when he wins, there can be no two opinions about it,” he said.

Filtsov’s support is based on Safonov’s record of success over the past two years. In addition to winning the UEFA Champions League twice in a row, Safonov has collected several other cups and important tournament honours, according to his former club colleague.

The nomination places Safonov among the goalkeepers competing for one of football’s leading individual awards in his position. The Lev Yashin Trophy is reserved for the best goalkeeper of the year and is named in honour of the legendary Soviet goalkeeper.

For Filtsov, Safonov’s inclusion is a positive moment for everyone connected with the Russian goalkeeping school. His comments also underline the significance of the work carried out by those who helped Safonov progress and establish himself at the highest level.

The former Krasnodar goalkeeper did not name the other nominees but expressed confidence that Safonov’s achievements make him a credible candidate. Filtsov said the goalkeeper’s recent record provides a clear basis for his nomination and argued that a victory would be fully deserved.

Safonov’s candidacy will now be considered alongside those of the other contenders for the title of the best goalkeeper of 2026. The award’s final result will determine whether he adds the Lev Yashin Trophy to his collection of major trophies and tournament victories.

Paris Saint-Germain were crowned French champions for a fifth consecutive season after winning Ligue 1 in the 2025-26 campaign.

The French top flight will feature 34 rounds this season, with the league title expected to be contested primarily by Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille. The precise outcome of the championship race will be reflected in the latest results, fixtures and league table available through the Ligue 1 section.

Alongside the battle for first place, the fight to avoid relegation to Ligue 2 will be a major focus. Troyes, Le Mans and Angers are identified as the leading candidates to go down in the next season.

Under the relegation arrangements outlined for the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season, the teams finishing 17th and 18th will be relegated directly to Ligue 2. The side ending the campaign in 16th place will not be relegated automatically but will have to play a two-legged relegation play-off against the winner of the Ligue 2 play-offs.

The final league positions will be determined by a set of tie-breakers if two or more clubs finish level on points. Goal difference is the first deciding factor, followed by the total number of goals scored in the championship during the season.

If teams remain level after those measures, the number of goals scored in head-to-head matches will be taken into account. The final listed criterion is the fair-play ranking recorded across league fixtures.

Paris Saint-Germain’s fifth successive title is the most significant result recorded in the competition information. Monaco and Marseille are listed as the principal challengers for the championship, while Troyes, Le Mans and Angers face the greatest danger of dropping into Ligue 2.

Supporters can follow the latest Ligue 1 news, consult the French league fixture schedule and check the current standings in the competition’s dedicated section. Match predictions from experts are also available through the relevant section of the portal.

Live text commentary for French Ligue 1 matches can be followed in the designated live coverage section, providing updates as fixtures take place.

The competition information covers the Ligue 1 2025-26 championship while also setting out the relegation format for the 2026-27 season. It therefore combines the confirmed outcome of Paris Saint-Germain’s latest title success with the regulations and expectations surrounding the next campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to become only the second club in the modern Champions League era to win the trophy three times in succession after establishing themselves among Europe’s elite under Luis Enrique.

“Doing the treble is the objective, but we know it's going to be very difficult and that there will be obstacles in our way,” said PSG captain Marquinhos on the eve of the new campaign.

The Qatar-owned club endured years of disappointment in the competition before former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique took charge in 2023. PSG reached the semi-finals in his first season, then made further progress after Kylian Mbappe left in 2024.

Freed from dependence on one or two superstar players, they swept aside Inter Milan with a 5-0 victory in the 2025 final to claim their first Champions League title.

They then retained the trophy last season by beating Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. That made PSG only the second team to defend the Champions League since the competition adopted its modern format in 1992.

A third consecutive triumph would place them in a far more exclusive group.

Real Madrid achieved the feat under Zinedine Zidane between 2016 and 2018. Johan Cruyff’s Ajax and Franz Beckenbauer’s Bayern Munich both won three successive European Cups during the 1970s, while Alfredo Di Stefano’s Real Madrid claimed five in a row from 1956 to 1960.

Those are the teams PSG hope to join, although the challenge is arguably greater now than it was in previous eras. The expanded Champions League schedule meant the French side had to play 17 matches to win the trophy in each of the past two seasons.

At their best, PSG are one of the most exciting sides in Europe. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia provide speed and danger in attack, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes offer an additional attacking threat.

In midfield, the technically gifted Vitinha leads a trio capable of controlling matches against opponents with greater physical strength.

That combination helped PSG win two Champions League titles and two UEFA Super Cups, despite facing Premier League opposition 18 times over the past two years.

The workload could prove to be their greatest threat. PSG played 121 competitive matches during the last two seasons, with only a three-week break between them because of the Club World Cup.

Most of the squad had also featured in major tournaments in 2024, while another shortened summer holiday followed because of the World Cup.

That demanding schedule may account for PSG’s sluggish start to the current campaign. Even so, their advantage over the rest of France’s top flight remains so significant that they are still favourites to win Ligue 1, even if they regularly rest important players to keep them fresh for Europe.

Their Champions League campaign begins with one of the more favourable fixtures available, as Slovan Bratislava are first up. The difficulty will rise quickly, with PSG travelling to face Manchester City and then hosting Barcelona in October.

The squad has changed, with PSG selling one of their leading players in Bradley Barcola, who joined Liverpool for a substantial fee. Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in and Ibrahim Mbaye, all useful squad members last season, have also departed.

Maghnes Akliouche, who represented France at the World Cup, and Ferran Torres, Spain’s final match-winner in North America, headline the incoming players. Torres previously worked with Luis Enrique while playing for his country.

“He was like a footballing father for me when I played for him in the national team,” Torres said after moving from Barcelona.

Luis Enrique’s influence has become greater than that of any individual player, and the manager has signed a new contract that will keep him in Paris until 2030.

“It is the first time I have stayed four years at the same club, and I am more motivated than I was in my first year,” he said, making clear that his desire for success has not diminished.

For PSG’s rivals, that continued hunger could be the most worrying development of all.

Ousmane Dembele has given his view on who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although the player he identified is not named in the available report.

The France and Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder is the current holder of the prestigious individual award. His comments come after a highly successful campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who retained the UEFA Champions League title and also won Ligue 1.

Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph last season. In the final, the French club defeated Arsenal on penalties, with Enrique’s team prevailing after the decisive match could not be settled in normal play.

That European success formed part of a campaign in which Paris Saint-Germain also claimed the Ligue 1 title. The club’s domestic and continental achievements provide the background to Dembele’s assessment of the next Ballon d’Or race.

Dembele’s own status as the reigning winner places particular attention on his opinion. He is the player currently recognised as the holder of the award, while Paris Saint-Germain’s success has once again put the club’s squad and its leading performers at the centre of discussion about the next recipient.

The Ballon d’Or debate for 2026 is therefore being considered against the backdrop of Paris Saint-Germain’s consecutive UEFA Champions League victories and their Ligue 1 title. Dembele has shared his view on which team the next winner should represent, but the source text does not specify the individual name he mentioned.

His comments follow a season in which Paris Saint-Germain completed a domestic and European double. The club’s victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final came via a penalty shootout, while the Ligue 1 championship added another major honour to Enrique’s campaign.

Dembele remains central to the award conversation because he is the current Ballon d’Or winner. His recognition came before the latest discussion about the 2026 prize, meaning his opinion carries added relevance when assessing which player could succeed him.

The French international’s remarks also underline the importance of club achievement in the Ballon d’Or discussion. Paris Saint-Germain’s latest campaign included success in both of the competitions named in the report: the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1.

However, while the article confirms that Dembele has expressed an opinion on the identity of the potential 2026 winner, it does not provide the name of the player or the club he selected.

Leonid Slutsky says Monaco manager Filipe Luis made a strong personal appeal for Alexander Golovin to remain at the club after their victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

The Russian coach said Luis was particularly keen to keep Golovin following Monaco’s 2-1 comeback win against PSG in the third round of the French championship. Golovin contributed an assist in that match.

“He very much asked Golovin not to leave after the match with PSG,” Slutsky said, describing the position of the Monaco manager.

Slutsky’s comments come amid reports that Golovin is in negotiations with Zenit. The Russian midfielder’s future is therefore uncertain, with conflicting interests inside Monaco over whether he should remain with the team.

According to Slutsky, the club itself would like to sell Golovin, while Luis wants the player to stay. The coach said the disagreement had created a complicated situation at Monaco.

“The situation at Monaco is not simple,” Slutsky explained. “The club wants to sell Golovin, but the coach wants to keep him.”

The comments underline the difference between the club’s reported position and the wishes of its manager. While Monaco is said to be considering a sale, Luis regards Golovin as an important player and is trying to retain him.

Golovin played a decisive role in Monaco’s win over PSG by providing an assist as the team came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory. That performance was followed by Luis’ public praise for the midfielder and his stated desire to keep him at the club.

“Golovin is a fantastic player, I want to keep him,” Luis said.

Slutsky also gave a positive assessment of Golovin’s current level, suggesting the midfielder is performing better than at any previous stage of his career.

“Golovin is in the best form of his entire career,” Slutsky said.

The statements from Slutsky and Luis come as reports continue to link Golovin with a move to Zenit. No further details of the negotiations were given, but the situation leaves the player’s future at Monaco unresolved.

For now, the key disagreement is clear: Monaco reportedly wants to sell Golovin, while Luis is seeking to prevent his departure. The manager’s appeal after the PSG match, together with his description of Golovin as a “fantastic player”, reflects his determination to keep the Russia international in his squad.

Former CSKA and Russia manager Leonid Slutsky says Monaco attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin is in the best form of his career.

Slutsky also highlighted that Golovin is highly valued by Monaco’s new head coach, Filipe Luis, underlining the player’s importance to the French club at the start of the new season.

“Golovin is in the best form of his entire career,” Slutsky said in his assessment of the 30-year-old’s current level.

Golovin has played four matches in all competitions during the new campaign. He has scored once and provided two assists, giving him a direct involvement in three goals so far.

Those figures form the statistical basis for Slutsky’s positive evaluation, while the former CSKA and Russia boss also drew attention to the relationship between the midfielder and Filipe Luis. According to Slutsky, Golovin is very much liked by Monaco’s new head coach.

The comments represent a strong endorsement of Golovin’s performances and current standing at Monaco. Slutsky, who previously coached both CSKA and the Russia national team, has followed the midfielder’s development closely enough to offer an assessment based on his present form rather than solely on his reputation.

Golovin’s four appearances have come across all competitions, with one goal and two assists recorded during that run. The midfielder’s contribution has therefore extended beyond scoring, with his two assists accounting for the other goals in which he has been directly involved.

At 30, Golovin is now being assessed by Slutsky as performing at the highest level of his career. The statement places particular emphasis on the player’s current condition, rather than making a broader judgment about his entire time at Monaco or with Russia.

Filipe Luis’s positive view of Golovin is another feature of the assessment. The coach is described as being very fond of the midfielder, suggesting that Golovin has secured a favourable position under Monaco’s new manager.

No further details were provided about Slutsky’s comments beyond his view of Golovin’s form and the player’s standing with Filipe Luis. The report also included a separate line stating that it had become known how much Golovin wants to earn at Zenit, but no salary figure was given.

Paris Saint-Germain could have 10 players among the 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which would give the French club a record representation in the prestigious individual award.

The potential list was reported by journalist Ben Jacobs. If confirmed, Paris Saint-Germain would surpass their own record from last year, when nine of their players were included among the contenders.

The full list of nominees is due to be announced on Tuesday. The reported possibility comes after a season in which Luis Enrique’s side retained the Champions League title, winning the competition for a second successive campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain already had a major presence at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Ousmane Dembele, who plays for the club, won the award, with Lamine Yamal of Barcelona finishing second and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha completing the top three.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October. Until the official announcement is made, the names of the 30 nominees have not been confirmed.

A group of 10 Paris Saint-Germain players would represent the largest contingent from a single club in the award’s history, exceeding the nine nominees put forward by the Parisian side last year. That record was established during a period in which the club’s players were central to their international success and strong run in European competition.

Dembele’s victory in the previous vote was the first individual result mentioned in the latest report, while Yamal’s second-place finish underlined the Barcelona player’s standing among the leading candidates. Vitinha’s third-place position meant that two of the three highest-ranked players came from Paris Saint-Germain.

The club’s possible record number of nominees follows another successful Champions League campaign under Luis Enrique. Paris Saint-Germain won the tournament for the second year in succession, strengthening the case for several of their players to be considered when the Ballon d’Or shortlist is revealed.

However, the reported figure remains subject to the official announcement. The complete group of 30 contenders will be made public on Tuesday, ahead of the ceremony in London later this year.

Former Manchester United attacking player Antony Martial has turned down two offers from Ligue 1 clubs, according to Footmercato.

The identities of the two sides have not been disclosed. However, one is understood to be involved in the title race, while the other is positioned near the bottom of the table. Footmercato also reports that neither club was Nice or Lens.

Martial was not offered a guaranteed place in either team’s starting line-up. Instead, the sporting directors wanted to draw on his international experience and high-level training to help develop younger players.

That role did not appeal to the 30-year-old, who therefore rejected both proposals. Martial is now continuing to train individually as he considers the next stage of his career.

The French forward’s most recent club was Monterrey, where he played before becoming available for a potential move. The two Ligue 1 offers represented an opportunity for him to return to France’s top division, but neither proposal met his expectations over his role within the squad.

The contrasting profiles of the interested clubs underline the uncertainty surrounding the approaches. One team is competing towards the top of the league and remains in the title picture, while the other is struggling at the opposite end of the standings. Despite those differences, both clubs presented Martial with a similar sporting plan: they did not intend to guarantee him a regular starting position and instead hoped his experience could benefit their younger footballers.

Martial’s decision means he remains without a new club after Monterrey, with individual training currently forming part of his preparation. No further details have been given about the length of the offers, the clubs involved or whether negotiations could resume.

The former Manchester United player was regarded by the two unnamed Ligue 1 sides as someone capable of contributing through his experience and technical preparation, even if he was not expected to be an automatic starter. Martial, however, chose not to accept either opportunity.

For now, he continues to work on his own while assessing his options. The reported interest from France adds to the uncertainty over where Martial will play next, but Footmercato’s account makes clear that the latest proposals from Ligue 1 have been rejected.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard have made such a strong return to form that they feel like “new signings” for the club this season.

The Gunners maintained their perfect start to the Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The result sent Arsenal charging towards the top of the table, where they are level with Manchester City.

Rather than summer arrivals, it was established members of Arteta’s squad who made the difference. Ødegaard and Havertz scored the goals, despite both players having been with Arsenal for several seasons.

Havertz has almost displaced Viktor Gyokeres as the team’s leading attacking option, while Ødegaard is competing to retain his place in midfield before the return of new signing Bruno Guimaraes. Their form has added further strength to an Arsenal side that is already showing impressive early-season momentum.

Arteta was speaking after the Chelsea victory, with Arsenal preparing for this week’s Champions League meeting with Italian giants Napoli. The manager praised the renewed confidence of Havertz, who has also benefited from feeling settled away from the pitch.

"Yeah, he looks, again, he looks happy, he looks settled, he looks happy, his personal life, some great things have happened as well, he feels fit, he's training every day, he has this routine right now, and he's scoring goals, and not only that, but it's been an amazing work for the team.”

The Arsenal boss also highlighted Ødegaard’s fitness and self-belief after the Norway international missed a significant amount of football.

"Well first of all that he's fit, he feels confident, I think one of the highest that I've seen him, and he has a point to prove from last season as well, and after missing so much football.

"When that happens, Kai the same,Bukayo(Saka) the same, we miss so many attacking players last season for long, long periods, and I don't know how many times they've played together those two in the last year or so, but probably not much, and when you start to feel the chemistry they have between them and what they can produce, it's great.

"For me, he gets to that point because he's enjoying his football, and when you are that, you have to enjoy what you do, you have to play with real intent, and that's what I love to see him today, he was running forward, he took shots, he created so many situations for his teammates, so it was great."

Arsenal had been unable to persuade Julian Alvarez to return to the Premier League from Atletico de Madrid during the summer. However, Havertz’s improvement has provided Arteta with an increasingly effective alternative in attack.

At the same time, Ødegaard’s performances have intensified competition in midfield ahead of Bruno Guimaraes’ return. With both players contributing goals and linking effectively with their team-mates, Arsenal appear even more formidable as they seek to defend their title.

Alvaro Valles was the standout goalkeeper as Real Madrid suffered a first defeat of the LaLiga season, while Barcelona forwards Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal led the latest Flashscore Team of the Weekend.

Valles saved a late Kylian Mbappe penalty to preserve Real Betis’ 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Seville on Friday, completing a six-save performance that earned him a rating of 9.5.

Barcelona’s attacking pair were rated even higher after their outstanding displays in a 5-0 win at Valencia. Fermin recorded the highest score of the weekend, with a 9.7 rating, while Yamal followed closely on 9.6.

The Team of the Weekend is selected using Flashscore’s in-house player rating system, which combines key statistics with advanced performance metrics from matches across Europe’s leading leagues.

Fermin Lopez (Barcelona) – 9.7

Barcelona’s emphatic win at Mestalla provided the weekend’s highest-rated individual performance, with Fermin Lopez playing a decisive role in a dominant display.

The midfielder opened the scoring by producing a deftly weighted pass for Lamine Yamal, before doubling Barcelona’s advantage with a superb finish into the bottom corner after just 22 minutes.

Fermin came close to adding another before half-time and then created Barcelona’s third goal soon after the restart, presenting Raphinha with a chance he converted.

His influence was particularly evident in the inside-right channel. He completed four dribbles and recorded 10 touches in Valencia’s penalty area as Barcelona continued their excellent start to the LaLiga season.

The Catalan side have won all four of their opening matches, scoring five goals in three of those victories and conceding only twice.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 9.6

Yamal matched Fermin’s impact in Valencia by scoring twice and finishing with the game’s highest totals for touches, with 105, and touches in the opposition penalty area, with 19.

The Spain international had made a subdued start to the campaign, producing an underwhelming display in the opening match at Elche and failing to score in Barcelona’s first home game.

That form has since changed dramatically. Yamal scored twice in Barcelona’s win against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, earning a match-leading rating of 9.7, before finding the net twice more against Valencia.

His four goals in the space of one week marked a significant return to form.

Alvaro Valles (Betis) – 9.5

Betis goalkeeper Valles was the major reason Real Madrid left Seville without anything to show for their efforts.

Troy Parrott scored the only goal after 80 minutes with a poacher’s finish, but it was Valles who dominated the match ratings. His six saves kept out efforts worth 2.98 expected goals on target (xGOT), allowing Manuel Pellegrini’s side to claim all three points.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, when the 29-year-old denied Mbappe from the penalty spot. That save completed a remarkable display and secured Betis’ first victory over Real Madrid in a match in which the visitors dropped their first points of the season.

The rest of the XI also included strong performances from Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Turkish Super Lig and the Eredivisie.

Inter defender Manuel Akanji and Roma centre-back Mario Hermoso formed part of the back three after both registered goal involvements on Saturday. Inter defeated Napoli, while Roma edged past Atalanta, with both clubs maintaining unbeaten starts to the season.

Mainz supplied both the left-sided defender and centre-forward. Austrian wing-back Phillipp Mwene scored and assisted in Mainz’s 5-0 away win at Hamburger SV, while Suriname striker Sheraldo Becker contributed a goal and two assists in one of the weekend’s most impressive results.

Lassine Sinayoko was the outstanding performer in Ligue 1 after scoring all three goals in Paris FC’s remarkable 3-2 victory at Marseille on Sunday evening.

Feyenoord’s Gjivai Zechiel also made the XI after scoring once and providing two assists. Alexandros Kyziridis impressed in the Turkish Super Lig, while Brazilian William Gomes produced the joint-highest rating in Porto’s Friday victory.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he does not want to repeat the mistake of bringing Moises Caicedo back too soon after the midfielder missed Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat by Arsenal.

The 24-year-old was left out of Chelsea's squad for their visit to Emirates Stadium after suffering a setback in the side's previous match against Brighton. Romeo Lavia and Reece James were used in central midfield in Caicedo's absence.

Caicedo had returned to action in Chelsea's win over Brighton after recovering from a slight knock. However, his comeback lasted only 14 minutes before he was forced to leave the pitch, appearing to aggravate the problem.

Alonso acknowledged after the loss to Arsenal that Chelsea may have taken a risk by selecting Caicedo against Brighton. The manager was asked when the Ecuador midfielder might be available again and suggested the club would take a cautious approach while assessing his condition.

“Not longer term but it is about assessing the risk. Probably last week we took him too early and I don't want to take the same mistake again.”

The comments indicate that Caicedo is unlikely to return for Chelsea's next fixture, with Leeds due to visit in the League Cup on Wednesday, September 9.

Chelsea's defeat at Arsenal came with Caicedo unavailable for selection, leaving Alonso to reorganise the midfield. Lavia and James were deployed in the central positions for the Premier League meeting at Emirates Stadium, while the club continues to monitor Caicedo's fitness.

The midfielder's latest issue follows his brief appearance against Brighton, where he was unable to complete the match after returning from the initial knock. Alonso's admission suggests the priority is now to avoid another premature comeback rather than set an immediate return date.

Chelsea therefore face uncertainty over Caicedo's involvement in the League Cup, although the available information points towards him missing the match against Leeds. No specific timeframe for his return has been provided.

The loss to Arsenal leaves Chelsea preparing for their next match without one of their important midfield options. Alonso's update focused on the need to assess the risk surrounding Caicedo's recovery, rather than committing to a date for his return.

Everton preserved their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Goodison Park, but manager David Moyes admitted his side did not show enough threat in the final third to secure victory.

The Toffees had to fight back twice before earning a point in a game that remained in the balance until the final moments. Tyrique George scored a late equaliser to make it 1-1, before Everton required another goal deep into added time to avoid defeat.

That second leveller came from debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who rescued a point for Moyes' team and maintained their unbeaten record at the start of the campaign.

Everton have now needed a late goal to prevent defeat in each of the past two weekends. The previous week, James Tarkowski scored late on to earn them a draw away at Bournemouth.

The result against Manchester United means Everton remain unbeaten, but Moyes made clear that avoiding defeat had not been his objective before kick-off. The manager believed his side had an opportunity to claim all three points, only for their inability to create and convert enough chances to undermine their performance.

"I'm probably disappointed that we didn't win today. I set out hoping we would win the game and I felt we had a big chance to do that.

"I was desperate to win, but it didn't go that way. In the final third we just didn't have enough and our crosses into the box weren't good enough.

"Deliveries from set plays were not good enough to get us goals in those situations either. We got there in the end, but for me, the lack of good chances to score was the part of our performance which I didn't like.

Moyes' comments highlighted a familiar concern for Everton despite the positive result: their attacking play did not produce enough clear opportunities. He also criticised the quality of the deliveries into the penalty area, both from open play and from set pieces.

The late goals have allowed Everton to continue their unbeaten run, but the manager will want his side to become more efficient in attack if they are to turn draws into wins. Against Manchester United, their resilience was enough to secure a point, although the performance left Moyes dissatisfied with the chances his team created.

Everton's next fixture is another Premier League away game, with Moyes' side travelling to face winless Tottenham on 12 September. The match will give Everton the chance to extend their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season, while addressing the attacking shortcomings that frustrated their manager in the draw with Manchester United.