France
Michael Olise has become one of the best footballers in the world, yet he has no boot sponsorship deal
The Frenchman is a true character: he regularly deletes his Instagram posts and has chosen to give up a significant amount of money in order to keep the freedom to wear whichever boots he wants.
Bordeaux have been expelled from all national leagues and now face the possibility of disappearing altogether
Two years after the first relegation due to debts, the Girondins can now hope to enroll in the sixth division tournament. But the most concrete scenario, in reality, is that of bankruptcy.
Spain beat France with the strength of the collective and the clarity of an idea — now they are the World Cup favourites
De la Fuente’s side managed to neutralise the boundless talent of Les Bleus with a game plan built around their identity.
Winning the World Cup is pure beauty: Bixente Lizarazu on what it feels like to win football’s greatest prize
The former France full-back, a 1998 World Cup winner, recalls what it feels like to lift the most coveted trophy in football.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claims France have no French players, apparently unaware that almost all of Deschamps’ squad were born there
There is another thing the former Spanish prime minister appears not to realise: Spain’s national team also has similar cases to those of Les Bleus.
France are the World Cup’s most compelling team — at least so far — and their global following is growing rapidly
It is becoming increasingly difficult not to be drawn to Deschamps’ side, and fans everywhere are being won over. Not only in France and the USA, but also in some unexpected countries.
We have never seen a France side like this
Deschamps’ side are so strong, and so deep, that they seem to win through sheer superiority, without ever needing to push themselves too hard.
Mohamed Ouahbi never played football seriously, worked as a PE teacher until he was nearly 30 and can now take Morocco to a World Cup semi-final
The Moroccan national team coach, born and raised in Belgium, has a story that mirrors that of his side.
France can field all its attacking talent and remain solid, much of that down to Adrien Rabiot
The Milan midfielder remains Les Bleus’ tactical anchor, even in scrappy matches against Paraguay.
Michael Olise still isn’t scoring, yet he remains a game-changing talent and a joy to watch
A second striker, a playmaker and above all a creative force, the Bayern forward has found the perfect role to get the best out of his talent.
Dembélé’s hat-trick against Norway takes the pressure off and underlines France’s depth
Les Bleus have finally got their Ballon d’Or contender firing, a warning to the rest of the field.
One match was enough for Kylian Mbappé to show that the World Cup is still his own playground
France–Senegal, another match shaped by Mbappé, again uncontainable at World Cup level.