Paris, France | AFP | Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe told AFP on Thursday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain football’s greatest players but that his own World Cup heroics could help crown him the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. Mbappe, 19, inspired France to World Cup victory in Russia with …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Gareth Southgate defended the decision to honour Wayne Rooney by fielding England’s top international goalscorer in a friendly against the USA at Wembley next week. The Football Association announced on Sunday that Rooney would be awarded his 120th cap as a tribute to his …

Paris, France | AFP | Anthony Martial has been rewarded for his impressive recent form with Manchester United by being recalled to the France squad by coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday. Martial, who has scored five goals in United’s last four Premier League games, comes in for France’s Nations League …

United Nations, United States | AFP | The United States is delaying approval of several requests for sanctions exemptions to deliver tractors, spare parts and other goods needed for humanitarian relief in North Korea, according to documents seen by AFP on Thursday. Russia asked the Security Council to discuss the …

Paris, France | AFP | Chelsea booked their place in the Europa League knockout stage as Olivier Giroud’s first club goal of the campaign gave Maurizio Sarri’s men a 1-0 win at BATE Borisov, while Rangers lost a seven-goal thriller against Spartak Moscow. Giroud ended his 11-game goal drought this …

Paris, France | AFP | Arsenal booked a place in the Europa League knockout stage and extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches despite a 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, while Olivier Giroud’s first goal of the season sent Chelsea through. But Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, given a …

Gaborone, Botswana | AFP | More than 400 buffaloes believed to have been chased by lions drowned in a river in northern Bostwana this week, the government said. The mass drowning occurred in Chobe River near the border with Namibia. Early investigations by authorities in both countries “suggest that an …

Paris, France | AFP | Under-fire Jose Mourinho and Manchester United revelled in an incredible smash and grab victory at Juventus, while Real Madrid continue their revival and Cristiano Ronaldo watches on as his magnificent volley counts for nothing. AFP Sport looks at five things we learned in the Champions …

Turin, Italy | AFP | Cristiano Ronaldo could not hide his frustration that despite scoring his first Champions League goal for Juventus the Italian side ‘gifted’ a dramatic late 2-1 victory to Manchester United. Ronaldo struck with a magnificent first-time volley on 65 minutes to leave Juve on course for …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | European stock markets rallied on Wednesday after a mixed session in Asia, as analysts warned of potential economic fallout from political gridlock in the United States triggered by the country’s midterm elections result. The dollar slid against main rivals, with the pound boosted also …