Real Madrid

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was given a one-year suspended prison sentence Wednesday for his role in the blackmailing of former France international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Per ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez, a court in Versailles, France, found Benzema guilty of "complicity" after he allegedly acted as a middleman for people attempting to blackmail Valbuena with a sex tape found on his phone in 2015.

Benzema, who was also fined $84,000, will appeal the verdict, according to his lawyer.

Axel Angot, Mustapha Zouaoui, Younes Houass and Karim Zenati were the other four men said to be involved in the blackmail attempt, with Zenati alleged to have brought in childhood friend Benzema.

Prosecutors said Benzema helped the group blackmail Valbuena about the sex tape during training camp for the French national team in October 2015, but Benzema said he was trying to warn Valbuena to "be careful" with the "serious criminals" who were trying to extort money from him.

Angot, Zouaoui, Houass and Zenati were handed varying prison sentences that ranged to as much as two-and-a-half years.

Since Benzema's sentence is suspended, it is likely he will go on probation and not serve time in prison, provided he satisfies the terms of the probation.

The 33-year-old Benzema has played for Real Madrid since 2009 and has earned 94 caps for the French national team, although he didn't play for France for nearly six years after the blackmail case's early stages began. 

He returned to the squad in June ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, where he finished as the joint-second top goalscorer with four goals in a French campaign that ended in the round of 16.

Valbuena, 37, has played for Olympiacos since 2019 and has made 52 French national team appearances, but none since the start of the blackmail case in 2015.

Real Madrid continued its recent dominance in El Clasico with a 2-1 win over Barcelona Sunday at the Camp Nou.

The win is Real Madrid's fourth straight against its rival in La Liga matches.

David Alaba scored the opening goal for Los Blancos, while Lucas Vazquez eventually sealed the win with a second goal in extra time.

Sergio Aguero scored a consolation for Barcelona, but it was too late to prevent Real Madrid from earning a key three points in the hunt for a league title. 

It was the first El Clasico without Lionel Messi since 2007, and Barcelona went home empty-handed.

The match began slowly with a conservative approach from both sides, but Real Madrid struck first with a brilliant counterattack and finish by Alaba:

Alaba's first Real Madrid goal comes in El Clasico 🚀#ElClásicoESPN+ pic.twitter.com/dy350kLZng

— ESPN (@espn) October 24, 2021

Rodrygo earned the assist on a great find to the open center back, who rocketed past the keeper in the top corner.

This was the only goal of the first half, but Barcelona had chances.

Sergino Dest had the best look for the Blaugrana in the opening 45 minutes with a open shot that he sailed over the crossbar:

Dest misses a sitter! pic.twitter.com/M2LBXQ2UIP

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 24, 2021

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1452284315258298383

Dest just had the miss of the season.... Guy scores a weak foot rocket in WCQ and can't finish a tap in

— Martino Puccio (@MartinoPuccio) October 24, 2021

Barcelona had six shots in the first half but were unable to find the net. Gerard Pique also had a chance with a header:

PIQUE ALMOST HAD THE EQUALIZER 🤯#ElClásicoESPN+ pic.twitter.com/TTU3zEPQ4s

— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) October 24, 2021

Barcelona stayed aggressive in the second half but had few real chances because of a lack of creativity in the final third. The hosts finished with just two shots on target in the match. 

The addition of Aguero in the 74th minute gave the attack more life, although it wasn't enough to even the match.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, played solid defense before using their speed on counters. Vinicius Junior kept pressure on throughout the second half down the left side.

Vazquez eventually put the game out of reach in the 94th on another counterattack after a great run from Marco Asensio. 

Great performance at right fullback from Lucas Vazquez. Incredible stamina. Earns some well-deserved glory.

— Felipe Cárdenas (@FelipeCar) October 24, 2021

I'm so happy for Lucas Vazquez. He's put in such a lot of work today and the goal is a good reward #HalaMadrid #ElClasico

— We the Unwilling (@Amegaxi) October 24, 2021

Dest slightly made up for his earlier miss with an assist to Aguero in the 97th minute, but it was too little, too late.

Aguero's first Barcelona goal comes in El Clasico 👏 pic.twitter.com/ukIl22s434

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 24, 2021

Both clubs will return to action for midweek La Liga battles on Wednesday. Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano while Real Madrid hosts Osasuna.  

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has vented his frustration toward Real Madrid amid the drama around Kylian Mbappe's expected exit.

"It's lasted for two years," the Brazilian told L'Equipe (via soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano). "The transfer window is over, Real Madrid need to stop behaving like this. They need to stop! Mbappe is PSG player and the club wants this relationship to last. It's a lack of respect [to PSG]."

Mbappe remains a member of the PSG squad, but the 22-year-old said this week he was prepared to leave in the summer with his contract due to expire next year.

"I asked to leave because from the moment I didn't want to extend [my contract], I wanted the club to receive a transfer fee to bring in a quality replacement," he said to RMC Sport (via ESPN). "... I wanted everyone to come out of this stronger, that we leave hand in hand, to make a good deal, and I respected that. I said, if you don't want me to leave, I will stay."

Starting in January, Mbappe will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez weighed in on the situation Tuesday.

"In January we will have news from Mbappe," he said to El Debate (via The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur). "We hope that on Jan. 1 everything can be solved."

Perez then walked back those comments:

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez clarifies to @rmcsport: “My words about Mbappé have been misinterpreted. What I said is that we have to wait until next year to have news - always with respect to PSG with whom we have good relations”. ⚪️🇫🇷 #RealMadrid #Mbappé

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 5, 2021

Although Leonardo's anger is understandable, this was inevitable when PSG spurned Madrid's multiple reported transfer offers for Mbappe. The Frenchman is one of the most coveted talents in the world, so speculation about his future won't fade.

It's impossible to envision a scenario in which Paris Saint-Germain sold Mbappe in the summer and remained as good as it was before. For that reason, holding on to him might've been smart because winning a Champions League title in May would be worth whatever fee the club would've received for him.

The trade-off is that Mbappe's presumed departure will cast a shadow over the French capital for the duration of this campaign.

Sheriff Tiraspol secured one of the biggest upsets in world football history Tuesday with a 2-1 road win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Sebastien Thill scored the game-winner in the 89th minute with an incredible strike from outside the box:

SHERIFFFFFFFF! WHAT A GOAL TO UPSET REAL! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pxQVlbfVCl

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 28, 2021

It helped the Moldovan club pull off the shocking defeat over Real Madrid, the winningest club in European football history with 13 continental titles.

It represented a massive upset within the sport:

- Founded in 1997
- Total market value of $13.61M
- First ever season playing in the #UCL

Sheriff Tiraspol have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UCL history 😱 pic.twitter.com/CZYD7szAPD

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 28, 2021

https://twitter.com/br_betting/status/1442955777757560835

Not only is Sheriff making its Champions League debut this season, but the club is the first from the Moldovan National Division to even reach the group stage. Sheriff, which is third in the domestic table, entered the competition in the first round of qualifying and advanced through four rounds to get on this stage.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are much more familiar with the competition with several players on the roster having won three straight titles from 2016-18. The club has advanced to at least the knockout stage every year since 1997.

The team also entered in solid form, leading La Liga through seven matches.

It didn't matter when the two sides stepped onto the pitch, with Sheriff taking the lead through Jasrubek Yakhshiboev.

NEWCOMERS SHERIFF TAKE THE LEAD OVER 13-TIME UCL CHAMPS REAL MADRID 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DvruLvXfaS

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 28, 2021

Karim Benzema scored the equalizer for Real on a penalty in the 65th minute, but the underdogs bounced back and came away with the victory.

After also beating Shakhtar Donetsk in the first match, Sheriff are now in first place in Group D and in excellent shape to advance to the round of 16. Real Madrid are in second place with three points.  

Real Madrid reportedly completed the acquisition of midfielder Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes on Tuesday, the final day of the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports' Fabrizio Romano reported the sides agreed on a €31 million transfer fee with add-ons that bring the total to €40 million, and Camavinga subsequently signed a contract with Los Blancos through June 2027.

Camavinga also attracted interest from other European giants, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid was the only one to make a formal offer ahead of the transfer deadline, per L'Equipe (via French Football News).

The Athletic previously reported the 18-year-old France international wasn't planning to sign a new contract after his deal with Rennes ran out in 2022, which increased the club's efforts to move him.

Camavinga, who'd been with Rennes since his time as a youth player in 2013, has established himself as a terrific tackler capable of playing in either a central or defensive midfield role.

Real Madrid target Eduardo Camavinga is a smooth operator 🌊https://t.co/KXRab1Zv18

— GOAL (@goal) August 31, 2021

In May, he reacted to reports that several high-profile clubs were potential landing spots on the transfer market during an interview with Telefoot (via AS' Andres Onrubia).

"It makes you feel flattered and it's nice that teams like Real Madrid or Bayern are interested in your situation, I'm not going to lie. But I have not yet thought it over with my family," Camavinga said.

He ultimately decided on Los Blancos, where he'll likely compete with Casemiro for playing time in the central midfield throughout the 2021-22 season.

While Camavinga's defensive ability is already on full display, it'll be intriguing to see whether he can develop a little more confidence going forward. He recorded just one goal and two assists across 35 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last term.

His first chance to don a Real Madrid kit could come Sept. 12 when the club returns from the international break to face Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid is reportedly ending its pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, according to Sky Sports and RMC Sport. 

Per Sky Sports, the "deadline for PSG to respond to Real Madrid’s €170 million ($200.5 million) plus €10 million ($11.7 million) offer for Mbappe has expired."

Real Madrid can afford to draw a hard line in the sand with PSG. Given that Mbappe seemingly has his mind set on joining Real Madrid and is spurning a contract extension from his current club, Los Blancos could simply sign him on a free transfer next season. 

In essence, Real Madrid can take the stance that PSG either accept their latest offer or risk losing arguably the best young player in the world without getting any transfer fee in return. 

Kylian Mbappe has told PSG again he will not sign a new contract. He has told PSG if they don’t sell him now he will move to Real Madrid as a free agent when his PSG contract runs out next summer.

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2021

Deadline for PSG to respond to Real Madrid's €170m + €10m offer for Kylian Mbappe has expired. Real Madrid walking away. More than likely now they'll wait until January & sign him on pre-contract agreement and he will join free next summer. Madrid confident Mbappe will sign

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2021

Jason Burt of The Telegraph reported earlier on Monday that Real Madrid were considering upping their offer for Mbappe. It's possible Los Blancos could return to the negotiating table one last time to secure Mbappe for this season, with the transfer deadline a day away. 

Adding Mbappe would certainly aid in their quest to win La Liga and Champions League trophies this season. 

Real Madrid have been planning for this moment for two years, after all. ESPN's Alex Kirkland reported that the Spanish giants "haven't paid a transfer fee to add to their first-team squad since the summer of 2019," with president Florentino Perez "saving up" for Mbappe. 

With an Mbappe departure for Real Madrid all but imminent at this point, be it this summer or next, the only reason PSG might not sell is the prospect of European glory. The Parisien club has never won the Champions League, and keeping Mbappe to pair with Lionel Messi, Neymar and a humorously stacked roster arguably makes them the favorites this season. 

Is that worth giving up hundreds of millions of dollars though? 

Perhaps for Qatar Sports Investments, which owns PSG and has pumped over a billion dollars into the club since taking over in 2011, money isn't an issue in the face of potential footballing glory. Such a possibility is a sobering reminder of the obscene and unbalanced spending from the biggest clubs in modern football, with PSG near the top of that list.

Real Madrid has increased its offer to €170 million ($200 million) for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, according to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol.

Real Madrid have made a second bid of €170M/$200M for Kylian Mbappe, reports @SkyKaveh

𝙏𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙖𝙘, 𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙖𝙘... ⏰ pic.twitter.com/Nl9G8zfbkn

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 26, 2021

In an interview with French media outlet RMC (h/t ESPN FC's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez), PSG sporting director Leonardo conceded the French forward is looking to depart but added any transfer "will be done under our conditions."

Mbappe is entering the final year of his contract, which is raising questions for both sides of the potential transfer.

A €170 million fee is a steep price to pay—even for a talent as good as Mbappe—when the 22-year-old can be signed on a free transfer next summer. That's also a lot of money for PSG to turn down given his contract status and apparent reluctance to sign an extension.

Some are also wondering how Real Madrid could facilitate such a massive deal given its financial situation. 

Club president Florentino Perez cautioned in April that Madrid and other major European powers would be "dead" by 2024 without the monetary boost the since-abandoned Super League was going to provide.

Madrid did, however, announce a net profit of €874,000 from the 2020-21 season despite the strain the COVID-19 pandemic placed on it and clubs around the world. Los Blancos have subsequently padded their coffers with the sales of Raphael Varane (€41 million) and Martin Odegaard (€35 million).

The Athletic's Adam Crafton reported Real Madrid officials have been pooling a "Mbappe fund" through player sales dating back more than a year. Loaning out Odegaard, Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic allowed the club to stash money for a marquee transfer as well.

Still, the transfer fee alone wouldn't represent the entirety of the outlay required to sign Mbappe right now.

It would be kinda hilarious if #PSG accept #RealMadrid's offer for Mbappé. The fee alone would be north of €160m and then there is the salary, which would be another €400m before taxes. Real don't really have that money but I guess are to big to fail...

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) August 25, 2021

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has allowed Karim Benzema to shine to an even larger degree at the Santiago Bernabeu. Benzema totaled 65 goals in La Liga in the first three seasons following Ronaldo's move to Juventus.

But the 13-time European champions haven't found a true replacement for the Portuguese star, both in terms of his impact on the pitch and the commercial value he provided. Mbappe would unquestionably address both concerns.

There isn't any indication Paris Saint-Germain is willing to let the 2018 World Cup champion leave this summer, but Real Madrid is doing everything it can to test Leonardo's resolve.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo confirmed Wednesday that star forward Kylian Mbappe wants to leave PSG.

Speaking to RMC (h/t Get French Football News), Leonardo said: "Kylian Mbappe wants to leave, that seems clear. ... If he wants to leave, we will not stop him, but on our terms."

It was previously reported by Adam Crafton of The Athletic that PSG had rejected a €160 million ($188 million) bid from Real Madrid for Mbappe.

Although the initial bid was rejected, L'Equipe (h/t AS) that PSG would consider an offer of €200 million ($235 million) from Real Madrid.

Leonardo confirmed PSG rejected Real Madrid's first offer, and while the expectation is that Real Madrid will improve its offer before next Tuesday's deadline, the sporting director said he does not "plan to speak again" with Los Blancos, per RMC Sport (h/t Alex Young of the Evening Standard).

Mbappe's contract is set to expire next summer, meaning he could leave without PSG receiving any compensation. That is likely why the Ligue 1 side is showing a willingness to move Mbappe if the right offer is made.

Leonardo expressed his belief that Real Madrid is posturing to land Mbappe on a free transfer next summer, saying:

"In terms of our position on Real, it seems like a strategy to try to get a 'no' from us, to show that they have tried everything and to wait for a year to get him for free. For the last two years, Real Madrid have been behaving like this, it is not correct, illegal even because they contacted the player.

"They want us to reject to show to Kylian that they tried everything and to start negotiating for next year."

He added that PSG have made Mbappe two "significant offers" to stay and that Real's first offer was "very far" from what the club believes Mbappe is worth.

While PSG would likely prefer Mbappe to sign a contract extension,  ESPN's Julien Laurens and Rodrigo Faez reported Tuesday that the 22-year-old star has "made it clear" he has no intention of signing a new deal.

Mbappe is arguably the best young player in the world and is into his fifth season at PSG after starting his professional career with Monaco.

The Frenchman has one goal through three Ligue 1 matches this season after scoring 30 or more goals across all competitions in each of the previous three seasons.

Last season was Mbappe's best, as he scored 42 goals in all competitions in 47 matches, including 27 goals in 31 Ligue 1 matches.

Mbappe has twice been named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, and he won the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player award in 2018 when France won its second World Cup title.

Prior to the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season, PSG made one of the biggest signings in its history by landing Lionel Messi on a free transfer from Barcelona.

Messi had agreed to a contract extension with Barca, but when they were unable to execute the deal due to financial issues, PSG swooped in and signed the all-time great.

PSG now boast one of the most electric attacking trios in soccer history with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, but if PSG get an improved offer, Mbappe may not be in Paris for much longer.

Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly rejected an initial bid from Real Madrid of €160 million ($188 million) for superstar Kylian Mbappe. However, the club would consider a €200 million ($235 million) proposal if Los Blancos are willing to increase their offer.

Adam Crafton of The Athletic reported PSG's decision to decline the initial bid. L'Equipe (via AS) noted Les Parisiens are reluctant to sell this summer but may if the price is closer to $235 million. They face a difficult decision if Real Madrid improves its offer before the transfer window closes Tuesday since Mbappe's contract ends after the 2021-22 season.

Leonardo, Paris Saint-Germain's sporting director, commented on the situation Wednesday:

Breaking | PSG Sporting Director Leonardo has spoken with French media:

"Kylian Mbappé wants to leave, that seems clear... If he wants to leave, we will not stop him, but on our terms."(RMC)

More follows.

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 25, 2021

Breaking | PSG Sporting Director Leonardo on Real Madrid's €160m offer for Kylian Mbappé:

"It seems like a strategy to try to get a no from us, to show that they have tried everything and to wait for a year to get him for free." (RMC)

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 25, 2021

PSG are in a difficult position as their prior acquisition of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi gave the club the world's most high-profile attacking trio as he joined Mbappe and Neymar. It would have been intriguing to see how they could have performed over an entire term.

The Messi situation is a reminder of the dangers of keeping a player until their contract expires, though.

He became a free agent July 1 and, while there was an expectation he'd re-sign with Barca, the La Liga club couldn't satisfy La Liga's financial regulations to get his new contract verified. In turn, he headed for the Parc des Princes on a free transfer.

Paris Saint-Germain don't want to see Mbappe walk away next summer without getting any compensation in return, so a transfer before the summer window closes Tuesday or during the winter window is the safest option for the Ligue 1 side.

While that could change if the 22-year-old France international reverses course and shows a willingness to sign a contract extension, that hasn't happened yet.

ESPN's Julien Laurens and Rodrigo Faez reported Tuesday that Mbappe has "made it clear" he isn't planning to re-sign with the club.

The forward, who's scored 133 goals in 174 appearances across all competitions for PSG, would be a major loss, but the arrival of Messi would help soften the blow in the short term.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has overcome financial concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic with conservative spending in recent years, which puts Los Blancos in "position to make an appropriate offer" for Mbappe, per Laurens and Faez.

Now, the only question is whether there's enough time for the clubs to hammer out the transfer details before the window closes Tuesday.

One of the biggest football stars in the world could be on the move this summer.  

La Liga giant Real Madrid has entered a $188 million bid for Paris Saint-Germain star forward Kylian Mbappe, per Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian. 

According to Mario Cortegana of Goal.com, Mbappe "has turned down no fewer than six contract renewal offers from PSG and ... agreeing personal terms with Madrid will not be a problem."

Per multiple reports, PSG has rejected Real Madrid's initial offer:

PSG don’t want to sell Kylian Mbappé this summer. They have rejected Real Madrid’s 160m euros offer for him today. Will Real come back with a higher offer? PSG say they would reject it too. But would they really?

— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) August 24, 2021

Some suggestions from Spain that this is also to show Mbappe how much they want him - that they're willing to bid when he only has a year left on his contract.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 24, 2021

The Parisian giants find themselves in a conundrum. On the one hand, they have aspirations of winning the Champions League for the first time in their history, and a front three of Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar make them the favorites. No other team in the world can match that level of attacking quality. 

Losing Mbappe and his 35 goals between Ligue 1 and UCL play last season would be devastating.

On the other hand, if Mbappe refuses to sign a new contract, he could sign with Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer when his pact expires, meaning PSG would lose out on a massive sum of money. He grew up a huge fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, making it easier to believe he'll spurn a contract extension from PSG to force his way onto Los Blancos.

And there's the question of whether Mbappe wants to play with a living legend like Messi or prefers to be the main man for a club. Messi, even at 34, casts the longest of shadows. 

Real Madrid clearly has eyes for Mbappe. As ESPN's Alex Kirkland noted, "Real Madrid haven't paid a transfer fee to add to their first-team squad since the summer of 2019."

The reason? At least in part, Real Madrid has been "saving up" for Mbappe, "president Florentino Perez's first-choice, dream signing."

Real Madrid has the money, it has been rumored that Mbappe wants to play for the club, and PSG risks losing him without getting a penny in return next summer. All the pieces are in place for a blockbuster transfer. 

It comes down to PSG. Will it negotiate with Real Madrid and attempt to drive up the price as high as possible before selling? Or will it go for European glory this season, try to re-sign Mbappe during the season and risk losing him for nothing? 

The footballing world eagerly awaits those answers.