• Kylian Mbappe scores twice in France’s 3-1 win against Senegal
• The Real Madrid forward becomes France’s all-time top scorer with 58 goals
• He moves to 14 World Cup goals, two behind Miroslav Klose’s record of 16
• Wayne Rooney praises the 27-year-old as an “absolute superstar”
• Mbappe’s second strike came from 35 metres with a 2% chance of scoring

Kylian Mbappe demonstrated why the World Cup is his stage by leading France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening match. The Real Madrid forward netted twice and claimed the national team’s all-time scoring record.

France struggled during the first half in their clash with the African champions. The defending champions were fortunate to reach the break on level terms. Mbappe appeared frustrated as he failed to convert chances before the interval.

The second half brought a dramatic change. The French captain returned with renewed purpose and broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. He collected a pass inside the penalty area and fired a precise shot past the goalkeeper as the angle narrowed.

His second goal proved even more spectacular. After Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye had pulled one back with a powerful finish, Mbappe responded from distance. From 35 metres out, he unleashed a thunderous drive into the top corner that gave the keeper no chance. Data showed the attempt carried only a 2% probability of finding the net.

This brace moved Mbappe past Olivier Giroud as France’s highest-ever goal scorer with 58 strikes. More significantly, he now stands on 14 World Cup goals across three tournaments. He requires just two more to equal the all-time tournament record held by German legend Miroslav Klose.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney offered high praise while speaking on BBC Sport. “Mbappe is an absolute superstar,” Rooney stated. “You can have a quiet first half then produce magic like that after the break. He will certainly become the greatest World Cup scorer in history.”

The French number ten has already lifted the trophy once and scored a hat-trick in the final four years ago. With potentially two more World Cups ahead of him, he could establish records that remain unbroken for decades.

• Kylian Mbappe breaks Olivier Giroud’s France scoring record with 58 international goals
• Real Madrid star scores twice in 3-1 World Cup Group I victory against Senegal
• Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye also score at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
• Les Bleus produce explosive second-half display after poor first-half performance

Kylian Mbappe has cemented his status as a French football legend. The Real Madrid forward became his country’s all-time top scorer during a 3-1 World Cup triumph against Senegal in New Jersey.

The 25-year-old surpassed Olivier Giroud’s previous record of 57 goals. He netted twice at MetLife Stadium to take his tally for Les Bleus to 58.

His first strike arrived in the second half. Michael Olise played a clever pass through the defence, and Mbappe finished calmly with one touch. His second goal was even more spectacular. During stoppage time, he unleashed a powerful long-range shot to secure the three points.

These goals also increased Mbappe’s World Cup total to 14. This achievement puts him level with German icon Gerd Muller. Only Brazil’s Ronaldo, with 15 goals, and Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who holds the record with 16, remain ahead of him.

France struggled badly during the first half. Manager Didier Deschamps named an attacking quartet of Mbappe, Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. However, the team managed only one shot before the interval.

Senegal looked more dangerous in that period. Ismaila Sarr missed an excellent chance when he fired over the bar from close range during first-half stoppage time.

The match opened up after the break. Bradley Barcola extended France’s lead with a delicate chipped finish. Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, a young player many call the next Mbappe, then reduced the deficit.

Earlier in the game, Mbappe had been denied a penalty. Sadio Mane challenged him inside the box, but referee Alireza Faghani stuck with his original decision after checking the VAR monitor.

A crowd of 80,545 fans watched the Group I opener. France will look to build on this result as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.

• Kylian Mbappe wins top scorer award with 15 goals for the second time in his career
• Arda Guler claims Revelation of the Season prize for breakthrough under-21 performances
• Federico Valverde secures Goal of the Tournament for his hat-trick strike against Manchester City
• Paris Saint-Germain retain the Champions League trophy for a second consecutive year
• Only two Spanish-based players feature in the official Team of the Season

Real Madrid finished the campaign without silverware, yet three stars still collected individual prizes at the Champions League awards ceremony. The Spanish giants exited the competition in the quarter-finals after suffering a 6-4 aggregate defeat.

Paris Saint-Germain lifted the trophy for the second year running. Only Real Madrid have achieved this back-to-back success in the modern era. Kylian Mbappe claimed the top scorer award with 15 goals, comfortably ahead of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (10) and Ousmane Dembele (8). This marks Mbappe’s second time winning this accolade, having shared it with Harry Kane in 2024.

Arda Guler received the Revelation of the Season title, which recognises the best player under 21. The Turkish midfielder netted twice against Bayern Munich in the last eight, including a spectacular free-kick. He also produced a key performance during the Round of 16 victory over Manchester City.

Federico Valverde won Goal of the Tournament for his stunning strike against Manchester City. The Uruguayan’s finish completed his hat-trick in that clash and provided a rare bright moment during a difficult season for Los Blancos.

Marcos Llorente of Atletico Madrid was the only La Liga player selected in the Team of the Season. The full-back assisted Ademola Lookman’s winning goal against Barcelona. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was the sole additional Spanish-based player included in the squad.

• Arbeloa confirms exit after trophy-less spell in charge of Los Blancos
• French captain and former boss clashed during difficult five-month reign
• Pair exchange respectful Instagram messages to close turbulent chapter
• Several first-team stars including Bellingham and Vinicius post farewell tributes

Real Madrid closed their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Athletic Club at the Bernabeu on Saturday. The match marked the end of an era for several key figures at the Spanish giants.

Dani Carvajal and David Alaba bid farewell to supporters on the pitch following their final appearances for the club. However, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa opted for a quieter departure away from the spotlight.

The former defender announced his exit before kick-off against Athletic. He took charge in January after replacing Xabi Alonso but failed to secure any silverware. Reports suggest the dressing room became strained during his short tenure.

Kylian Mbappe publicly criticised Arbeloa during the latter’s time in charge. The tension between the pair dominated headlines in recent months. Yet both men have now moved to heal the rift.

The France captain posted a farewell message on Instagram wishing Arbeloa success. The outgoing manager responded with warm praise for his former player.

“Thank you so much, Kylian,” Arbeloa wrote. “I will always brag that I coached such an extraordinary football player with unparalleled talent.”

He added motivational words about resilience. “Hard times don’t last forever, but strong people do,” he stated.

Only a handful of Madrid players shared public tributes to the departing coach. Antonio Rudiger, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior all posted messages.

Arbeloa replied to each star individually. He described Bellingham as “a born leader, an exceptional professional and a wonderful person”. The coach told Vinicius that serving as his manager “has been an honour”.

• Kylian Mbappe scores his first goal in over a month to make it 3-1 for Real Madrid
• Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham also find the net for Los Blancos in the season finale
• Gorka Guruzeta scores a consolation goal for Athletic Club during first-half stoppage time
• The match marks the final home appearance for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba

Real Madrid have taken a commanding 3-1 lead against Athletic Club in their last match of the 2025-26 campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants produced an impressive display to delight their home supporters on a special evening.

The hosts opened the scoring after just twelve minutes. Dani Carvajal, who is saying goodbye to the club, delivered a perfect assist for young striker Gonzalo Garcia to slot home the opener. England international Jude Bellingham then doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Athletic Club refused to give up without a fight. Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back for the visitors deep into first-half stoppage time. However, Real Madrid restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the break.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe ended his frustrating scoring drought to make it 3-1. The forward had not found the back of the net for more than four weeks. He received the ball from Alvaro Carreras and calmly placed a low shot into the far corner of the net.

The victory provides a positive end to a challenging season for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The match also serves as a farewell to several club legends including Carvajal, David Alaba and Alvaro Arbeloa, who are leaving the Bernabeu this summer.

• Dani Carvajal sets up the opening goal during his final home appearance for Real Madrid
• David Alaba also bids farewell to supporters after four years with the Spanish giants
• Kylian Mbappe ends month-long goal drought with second-half strike
• Jose Mourinho confirmed to return as manager following Alvaro Arbeloa’s departure

Real Madrid concluded their difficult 2025-26 campaign with a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, overcoming Athletic Club in a six-goal thriller.

The afternoon served as an emotional farewell to two departing legends. Both Dani Carvajal and David Alaba played their final home matches for the club before their summer exits. Carvajal made an immediate impact on the pitch, threading a perfect through ball to Gonzalo Garcia who lashed home the opener.

Thiago Pitarch then supplied a delicate chipped pass for Jude Bellingham, who thundered a volley into the net to double the advantage. However, Athletic Club struck back just before the break when Gorka Guruzeta found the target with a fine finish.

Kylian Mbappe ended his goal drought six minutes into the second period. The French forward cut inside from Alvaro Carreras’ pass and fired past the keeper, celebrating with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who is also set to depart the club.

Both Alaba and Carvajal received standing ovations from the crowd when substituted late in the clash. Brahim Diaz added a fourth goal in the 88th minute, while Urko Izeta scored a second consolation for the visitors in stoppage time.

The result offers some comfort after a disappointing season for Los Blancos. Major changes await this summer, with Jose Mourinho confirmed to return to the Bernabeu for a second spell in charge, replacing Arbeloa after 13 years away.

• Kylian Mbappe returns to Real Madrid’s starting line-up following claims that Alvaro Arbeloa had dropped him to fourth-choice striker
• The Frenchman is expected to lead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan
• Sevilla require victory to secure their La Liga status for next season and keep faint European qualification hopes alive
• Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen are tipped to start in central defence ahead of Raul Asencio and David Alaba
• Sevilla coach Luis Garcia Plaza is likely to hand Nemanja Gudelj a start in place of Djibril Sow

Real Madrid travel to Seville for their final away fixture of the 2025-26 campaign on Sunday. The match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan offers Alvaro Arbeloa’s side a chance to secure consecutive victories following their midweek triumph over Real Oviedo.

The build-up has been dominated by comments from Kylian Mbappe regarding his relationship with the manager. The France international told reporters this week that Arbeloa informed him he currently ranks as the club’s fourth attacking option. Mbappe claimed he sits behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, and Franco Mastantuono in the selection hierarchy.

Despite this public tension, Spanish publication Marca suggests Mbappe will indeed start against Sevilla. The predicted line-up sees Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz operating on either flank of the forward. In the engine room, Jude Bellingham and Thiago Pitarch are expected to get the nod.

At the heart of defence, Arbeloa appears set to favour experience. Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen are poised to form the central partnership, which would push Raul Asencio and David Alaba to the substitutes’ bench.

The hosts arrive in excellent form having collected three straight victories. Luis Garcia Plaza’s men need three more points to mathematically confirm their place in the top flight for another year. Success would also maintain their slender hopes of reaching European competition next term.

Garcia Plaza is expected to make just one adjustment from the team that won at Villarreal in midweek. Nemanja Gudelj should replace Djibril Sow in the starting eleven.

Real Madrid have no remaining objectives to chase this season. Nevertheless, Arbeloa will be determined to finish his tenure on a positive note. The inclusion of Mbappe from the first whistle should significantly improve their prospects of ending the campaign with a victory.

• Kylian Mbappe claims Alvaro Arbeloa labelled him the club’s fourth-choice forward
• The French captain broke strict media rules to speak for seven minutes after the Oviedo match
• Three specific incidents involving El Clasico, a ‘smoking jackets’ comment, and substitution timing triggered the outburst
• Real Madrid fans whistled the striker during his 22-minute cameo on Thursday night

Real Madrid’s dressing room has become a theatre of tension. Kylian Mbappe has openly challenged manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The French forward broke ranks after Thursday’s victory against Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 27-year-old stunned journalists. He appeared in the mixed zone unannounced. This move ignored standard La Liga protocols. He spoke for seven minutes. Mbappe alleged that Arbeloa had demoted him to fourth choice in the attacking hierarchy. The manager strongly rejected this claim.

Supporters whistled Mbappe loudly when he entered the pitch. He played only the final 22 minutes. This came after two matches on the sidelines with injury.

The striker also criticised the team’s collapse this term. “We began strongly in La Liga and the Champions League,” he stated. “But we lost our way after the break. It pains me because we had a clear structure.”

Spanish outlet Diario AS reports three specific grievances triggered this explosion.

Firstly, Mbappe discovered he would start on the bench for the El Clasico against Barcelona. This happened immediately after his return from injury. He subsequently informed medical staff that his leg pain had increased. He desperately wanted to feature against their fierce rivals.

Secondly, Arbeloa’s comments after the Espanyol victory wounded the player. The manager stated that Real Madrid legends were “built with mud and sweat, without ego, not players in smoking jackets.” Mbappe interpreted this as a personal attack on his mentality and commitment.

Thirdly, the substitution timing against Oviedo angered him. Arbeloa sent Mbappe onto the pitch alone. He faced the hostile Bernabeu crowd without support. The player believed Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal should have joined him simultaneously. He views this as deliberate isolation.

The conflict escalates as the season nears its conclusion.

• Florentino Perez plans an emergency meeting with Kylian Mbappe to address the player’s recent conduct and public criticism of manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
• Mbappe arrived at the stadium only 12 minutes before a recent match against Espanyol, then missed the El Clasico squad entirely despite expectations he would be on the bench.
• The French forward claimed Arbeloa told him he ranks fourth among attackers, and stated the team has lost order since the turn of the year.
• Supporters whistled Mbappe when he came on as a substitute during the 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday evening.
• Perez has warned that “nobody is irreplaceable” despite describing Mbappe as the club’s best player.

Tensions at Real Madrid have reached boiling point after Kylian Mbappe launched another public attack on the club. The French striker criticised manager Alvaro Arbeloa following Thursday’s match, worsening the ongoing crisis at the Bernabeu.

The forward openly challenged Arbeloa’s decisions. These comments, which the coach has rejected, quickly made headlines across the globe.

Supporters have turned against the player recently. Questions about his dedication grew after he reached the stadium just twelve minutes before kick-off against Espanyol. He then missed the squad completely for the El Clasico fixture, despite expectations that he would start among the substitutes.

On Thursday evening, Mbappe revealed that Arbeloa had ranked him as the fourth-choice attacker. He also stated that the team had lost its way during the second half of the campaign. During the second period of their 2-0 victory against Real Oviedo, the crowd whistled loudly when Mbappe entered the pitch as a substitute.

According to Diario AS, club president Florentino Perez plans to meet the France captain to address his conduct. The meeting was originally arranged as friendly advice regarding small mistakes before the World Cup. However, it has now become an urgent priority.

Perez and the board are now concerned about his public displays, overall behaviour, and growing isolation from other players. The president will question Mbappe about his plans for the next campaign and demand stricter discipline from the national team skipper.

Although Perez called Mbappe the team’s finest player on Wednesday, he warned that every player can be replaced. Sources suggest Mbappe used the media to answer back to Arbeloa. Their working relationship has broken down following three recent clashes.

Furthermore, the striker has repeatedly suggested he preferred working with former coach Xabi Alonso. He has also indicated that he opposed the board’s decision to dismiss the Spaniard.

• French forward says he ranks behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono in the squad
• Supporters whistled Mbappe when he came on as substitute in the 2-0 win against Real Oviedo
• Manager Alvaro Arbeloa insists the striker was not ready to start after a recent injury lay-off
• Real Madrid remain without silverware this season after losing the La Liga title to Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe has revealed he believes he is currently the fourth-choice attacker at Real Madrid following his surprise omission from the starting eleven against Real Oviedo.

The French international entered the pitch at the Bernabeu as a substitute in the 69th minute of Thursday’s 2-0 victory. He was met with loud whistles from sections of the home crowd. Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and young prospect Franco Mastantuono were all selected ahead of the 27-year-old for the clash.

Speaking after the match, Mbappe insisted he was fully recovered from the thigh problem that had kept him out of the previous two fixtures, including the damaging defeat to Barcelona that handed the Catalan club the La Liga championship.

“I am completely fit,” the striker stated. “The reason I did not start is because the manager sees me as the fourth option in the squad. I am behind Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo in the pecking order.”

Mbappe, who has netted 41 goals in 41 matches this campaign, added that he respects manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s decision despite his disappointment.

Arbeloa, however, disputed the player’s assessment. The Spanish coach explained that Mbappe could not have started just four days after missing the Barcelona match through injury.

“I spoke with him before the game,” Arbeloa said. “I do not know how he understood our conversation. A player who was not even on the bench four days ago cannot start today. This was not a final or a life-or-death match.”

The incident comes amid a difficult period for both player and club. Real Madrid have finished the season without winning any major trophies, increasing pressure on everyone at the club.

Supporters’ frustration boiled over when Mbappe appeared on the pitch, while stewards also removed a banner calling for president Florentino Perez to resign. The forward had earlier faced criticism after photographs showed him relaxing on a yacht in Sardinia while recovering from his injury during a match against Espanyol.

An online petition demanding the club sell Mbappe has attracted millions of signatures in recent weeks.

When asked about the hostile reception from fans, Mbappe remained defiant. “The whistles are part of life,” he said. “You cannot change people’s opinions when they are angry. This is the reality for a Real Madrid player and for a famous footballer like myself.”

“We do not always need to understand everything. We must accept the situation, look forward and try to change things.”

Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham scored the goals that secured the win against the already-relegated visitors, providing some cheer on an otherwise tense evening in the Spanish capital.