Paris Saint-Germain FC

UEFA is investigating Juventus fans who traveled to Parc des Princes for Tuesday's Champions League game and allegedly participated in racist and antisemitic behavior.

Four people were also arrested.

According to Reuters, social media footage appeared to show some Juventus fans "making Nazi salutes and monkey gestures" during Paris Saint-Germain's 2-1 victory.

"In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding allegations of discriminatory behaviour by Juventus supporters," UEFA said in a statement.

As for the arrests, Paris police released a statement saying, "Four individuals were identified by video and then arrested last night [Tuesday] by the police for public incitement to racial hatred in a sports venue, on the occasion of the PSG-Juve soccer match."

On the field, Paris Saint-Germain captured the Group H opener thanks in large part to individual brilliance by Kylian Mbappe.

The 23-year-old star scored two goals in the first half, which held up despite a second-half goal from Weston McKennie on the other side.

Paris Saint-Germain will face Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Champions League on Sept. 14, while Juventus plays Benfica on the same date. Benfica leads Group H after one game thanks to its 2-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said Monday there's no chance Lionel Messi returns to the La Liga club from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Xavi described the idea of Messi coming back to Camp Nou one year after his departure as "impossible" at the moment because of his PSG contract, but he admitted that outlook could change in the future.

"It doesn't make sense to speak about Messi. He is the best player in the world and the best ever," Xavi told reporters. "The president has already said that he hopes Messi's story has not finished with Barcelona. We will see in the future, but it's not the moment to speak about Leo, it's the moment to talk about the exciting players we have here."

Messi was expected to remain at Barcelona last summer, and the sides even reached an agreement on a contract extension to keep him with the club, but Barca announced last August the deal couldn't be finalized because of La Liga's "regulations on player registration."

Less than a week later he joined PSG. French outlet L'Equipe reported (via AS' Andres Onrubia) that the legendary forward signed a two-year contract with an option for a third season at the Parc des Princes worth up to $129 million.

Joan Laporta returned to the role of Barcelona president in March 2021 after running a campaign heavily focused on Messi's future. He previously held the position from 2003 through 2010, the period when the Argentine superstar began to emerge as one of the best players in history.

"I am sure that if someone else wins the election [other than me], Messi won't stay at the club," Laporta said during a debate before last year's election. "I have a good relationship with him; there's a lot of respect."

His return to the presidential post wasn't enough to secure Messi's future at Camp Nou, but he told ESPN on Sunday there's still hope for a storybook ending.

"I would hope that the Messi chapter isn't over," Laporta said. "I think it's our responsibility to try to ... find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn't closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending."

The 35-year-old playmaker didn't quite live up to his usual standard in his first season with PSG—his 11 goals across all competitions marked his lowest total since 2005-06—but he still compiled a productive six goals and 14 assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances.

He'll once again help headline one of the world's most star-studded attacks this season alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for the Parisians.

It sounds like Barcelona will be heavily involved if Messi decides to decline the option in his Paris Saint-Germain contract next summer, though.

Albert Masnou of Diario Sport reported on Sunday that Xavi, Messi's former Barca teammate, has asked Laporta to sign the forward back in 2023 under the belief his return would "bring a lot to the club both on an economic level and a sporting one."

All told, whether the potential return happens next summer or a little further down the line, it would be a surprise if Messi's swan song doesn't take place with Barca.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta hopes that Lionel Messi's story with his former club hasn't completely concluded.

"Messi was everything," Laporta told ESPN. "To Barca, he's been possibly its greatest player, the most efficient. To me he's only comparable to Johan Cruyff. But it had to happen one day. We had to make a decision as a consequence of what we inherited. The institution is in charge of players, coaches.

"I would hope that the Messi chapter isn't over. I think it's our responsibility to try to ... find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn't closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending."

Barcelona's financial woes ahead of last season meant that the club could no longer afford Messi's wages, and he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after spending the first 17 years of his professional career with the Catalan giant.

That transition wasn't seamless for either side. Messi had six goals and 15 assists in 26 total Ligue 1 appearances, pedestrian stats for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, while Barcelona finished trophyless, failed to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League and finished second in La Liga behind rivals Real Madrid.

It seemed clear that Messi never wanted to leave the only European club he had ever known, as he was emotional during the press conference announcing his departure last summer.

Pic of the year.
End of an era.
Historical day.

Lionel Andrés Messi pic.twitter.com/5zwQAKnwOH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2021

"As president of Barca, I did what I had to do," Laporta told ESPN. "But also as president of Barca, and on a personal level, I think I owe him."

What exactly that means is unclear. Barça has already made several splashy signings this summer in attacking positions, including superstar striker Robert Lewandowski and promising winger Raphinia, so it seems highly unlikely that the club would make a move for Messi this summer.

But the Argentine superstar has just one more year remaining on his PSG contract (with an option for an additional year as well), so perhaps a reunion in the future isn't out of the question.

There has been speculation that Messi could join the MLS' Inter Miami after his PSG contract runs up, perhaps even becoming a minority owner in the process. But a Barcelona reunion would be the storybook ending Laporta, at least, seems to be hoping is still in the cards.

Paris Saint-Germain announced manager Mauricio Pochettino was fired Tuesday after one-and-a-half seasons leading the French powerhouse.

ESPN reported PSG reached an agreement with Nice worth around €10 million ($10.3 million) for Christophe Galtier, who led Lille to the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title, to take over as its new head coach.

The Parisians won the Ligue 1 championship for the eighth time in the past 10 years last term, but their results in other competitions fell short of expectations.

They suffered a 1-0 loss to Lille in the season-opening Trophee des Champions, and they were eliminated in the round of 16 of both the UEFA Champions League and Coupe de France. It marked the first time since 2012-13 they didn't win at least two trophies.

Pochettino, who previously managed Espanyol, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, compiled a 55-15-14 record during his time at the Parc des Princes.

Galtier is a three-time Ligue 1 Manager of the Year who put together his magnum opus when he guided Lille to a one-point triumph over PSG in the 2020-21 league table.

The 55-year-old Frenchman moved to Nice last summer and emerged as the preferred choice of PSG sporting director Luis Campos this offseason. The club's ownership group wanted Zinedine Zidane, the former France international and Real Madrid manager, but he turned down the interest, per ESPN.

French outlet RMC Sports reported (via AS' Andres Onrubia and Kieran Quaile) that Zidane is focused on taking over France's national team following the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, PSG continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, signing midfielder Vitinha and inking a permanent deal for left-back Nuno Mendes after he played in Paris on loan last season.

They bolster a roster led by the star-studded attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, who combined for 63 goals across all competitions last season.

Paris Saint-Germain kicks off the preseason July 15 against Quevilly-Rouen and plays its first competitive fixture July 31 when it battles Nantes in the Trophee des Champions.

The Ligue 1 season gets underway Aug. 7.

Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly "trying to convince" legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane to replace Mauricio Pochettino as its manager ahead of the 2022-23 season.

ESPN's Julien Laurens reported Friday that PSG and Zidane, who spent four years leading the Real Madrid coaching staff across two stints (2016-18 and 2019-21), are "not close to an agreement" despite speculation a deal is done.

While Zidane is viewed as an ideal candidate to guide a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, the 49-year-old Marseille native is "keen" on eventually taking over France's national team, per Laurens.

In turn, PSG is considering a contract offer that would include the ability for Zidane to leave the club whenever Didier Deschamps steps away from Les Bleus, whether that's after the 2022 FIFA World Cup or Euro 2024, according to ESPN.

Zidane helped lead France to the 1998 World Cup title, the same year he captured the Ballon d'Or as part of a decorated career that was headlined by stops with Juventus and Real Madrid.

He enjoyed similar success during his time as Los Blancos manager.

Real Madrid captured 11 trophies during his two tenures, including three straight UEFA Champions League titles beginning in 2016 and La Liga championships in 2017 and 2020.

Paris Saint-Germain is coming off a 2021-22 term where it won Ligue 1 for the eighth time in the past 10 years, but the club's other results were underwhelming, including a UCL exit in the round of 16 against Real Madrid.

Pochettino was hired by PSG in January 2021. His current contract runs through June 2023.

The 50-year-old Argentine, who's also coached Espanyol, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, joked Monday in an interview with Spanish outlet Esport3 (via Goal's James Westwood) the speculation about his future no longer comes as a surprise.

"I have one year left on my contract and there are a lot of rumors. Every week I am fired," Pochettino said. "PSG arouses this kind of thing. The club is trying to reinvent itself. The president will soon explain his new project, but I'm calm."

PSG's first competitive match of the new season will come July 31 when they face off with Nantes in the 2022 Trophee des Champions.

Manchester United announced Wednesday midfielder Paul Pogba will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

Pogba, who started his senior career with United in 2011, returned to Old Trafford in 2016 after a four-year stint with Juventus. He recorded one goal and nine assists across 20 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils this season.

"Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United," the club wrote in a statement. "We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey."

OFFICIAL: Manchester United confirm Paul Pogba will leave the club as a free agent for the second time pic.twitter.com/3YnSRh4PXU

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 1, 2022

James Westwood of Goal reported Juve is "leading the race" to sign the 29-year-old French international once again, though Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also involved.

Pogba hinted at his frustration while playing for France in March, telling Telefoot (via ESPN) United's failure to contend for trophies led to "difficult times."

"I want to win titles, I want to play for something," he said. "Whether it be this year or even the previous ones, we haven't won anything. That's what's sad, in the end."

United fell well short of competing for a title in 2021-22. It finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to make a deep run in any knockout tournament—the UEFA Champions League (round of 16), FA Cup (fourth round) or EFL Cup (third round).

It's likely to cause several squad changes over the summer as the Red Devils prepare to begin a new era under manager Erik ten Hag, who arrives from Ajax.

With Pogba's departure confirmed, United has opened discussions with Barcelona about fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong, per Sky Sports' Dan Sansom.

De Jong tallied three goals and three assists in 32 La Liga matches for Barca this season.

Meanwhile, the interest from three high-profile clubs like Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid shows belief Pogba can reignite his career with a transfer.

The playmaking midfielder has still shown glimpses of being a high-impact performer during his stints with the French national team, but those kinds of performances were few and far between with United.

If he does land with a marquee club, he'll likely need to showcase more consistent top form to remain a regular first-team selection in 2022-23.

Superstar forward Kylian Mbappe revealed on Monday that Real Madrid wasn't the only club he considered signing with this upcoming offseason before he decided to stay with Paris Saint-Germain last week.

Liverpool were also in the running, though a distant third. 

"We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit," Mbappe told Jason Burt of the Telegraph. "I talked to Liverpool because it's the favorite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don't know why, you will have to ask her! It's a good club, and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco, I met them. It's a big club."

Mbappe's decision capped off a year-long pursuit from Real Madrid as PSG fought to keep him and was one of the biggest stories heading into the summer, alongside Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland's next team (he chose Premier League champions Manchester City).

Kylian Mbappe isn't the first to be paid to stay.
Man Utd paid Wayne Rooney not to join Man City.
But this feels different.
It's a message to the old order: sovereign wealth now runs the show.

— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) May 22, 2022

Amazing to think Mbappe signing for *Madrid* would have been better for football.

Any player being paid this much, where only state clubs can compete, is a bad precedent for football. That was always the Qatari aim - raise fees/wages to such a point only a few clubs can compete.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 21, 2022

Liverpool, who finished just one point shy of Man City in the EPL title race and is seeking its third trophy of the 2021-22 season at Saturday's Champions League final against Los Blancos, would have been quite the juggernaut had Mbappe chosen to lead the line.

The Reds already feature the devastating duo of Mohamed Salah and Madio Sane on the wing. Salah was the joint Golden Boot winner in the Premier League, tying Tottenham's Son Heung-Min with 23 goals, and also led the league with 13 assists.

Mane, meanwhile, chipped in with 16 goals (fifth in the EPL) and two assists. Add in Diogo Jota (15 goals, four assists), and Liverpool already have one of the most clinical front threes in world football.

But Mbappe would upgrade any attacking unit on the planet. He led Ligue 1 in goals (28) and assists (17) and added six goals and four assists in eight Champions League contests.

It was no surprise that Real Madrid went full press to land him, even putting aside transfer funds in previous seasons to make room for a massive transfer to secure his services.

Mbappe even left open the possibility of joining Real Madrid in the future:

Kylian Mbappe says he won't rule out a move to Real Madrid in years to come.

🗣 "You never know what can happen in the future"

Watch his interview and read more here ⤵️#BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 23, 2022

Kylian Mbappé: “Message to Real Madrid fans? I wanna say thank you, as they always accepted me as one of them”. ⚪️ #Mbappé

“I understand their disappointment, and I hope they understand I decided to stay in my country”.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 23, 2022

But PSG, despite facing the possibility of losing Mbappe on a free transfer this summer, turned away Los Blancos' reported €200 million last August. It was an enormous gamble, as Mbappe grew up a Real Madrid supporter, and PSG turned away astronomical figures without a guarantee he'd return. 

But return he did, breaking the hearts of Real Madrid—and to a lesser extent, Liverpool—supporters in the process. 

La Liga announced it will report Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA after the Ligue 1 champion convinced Kylian Mbappe to sign a new contract.

ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez first reported the development.

Mbappe's deal was made official Saturday:

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
𝐈𝐜𝐢 𝐜’𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬

🔴🔵 #KylianCestParis pic.twitter.com/e3ZSY1E3FZ

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 21, 2022

La Liga issued a statement arguing the contract "attacks the economic stability of European football":

It is scandalous that a club like PSG, which last season reported losses of more than 220 million euros after accumulating losses of more than 700 million euros in prior seasons (while reporting sponsorship income at doubtful valuation), with a squad cost around 650 million for this season, can close such an agreement, while those clubs that could afford the hiring of the player without seeing their wage bill compromised, are left without being able to sign him.

La Liga president Javier Tebas already voiced his criticism on social media, calling Mbappe's return to PSG "an insult to football":

Lo que va a hacer el PSG renovando a Mbappé con grandes cantidades de dinero (a saber dónde y cómo las paga) despues de dar pérdidas por 700M€ en las últimas temporadas y tener mas 600M€ de masa salarial, es un INSULTO al fútbol. Al-Khelafi es tan peligroso como la Superliga. pic.twitter.com/sZ1Y1TaSbK

— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) May 21, 2022

Faez and Julien Laurens initially reported that Mbappe was snubbing Real Madrid in order to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old was widely seen as likely to sign with Real with his PSG deal expiring this summer. Discussions with the Spanish giants were far enough along that Laurens and Faez reported Mbappe personally spoke with Madrid president Florentino Perez to let him know he wouldn't be signing after all.

Real Madrid after letting Erling Haaland join Man City to focus on signing Kylian Mbappé, only for Mbappé to stay at PSG: pic.twitter.com/nUxgZiAFHb

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 21, 2022

The specifics of Mbappe's new PSG contract are unclear. The Guardian's Ed Aarons and Fabrizio Romano only described it as a "lucrative extension" that runs until 2025.

It's fair to express a level of concern about how this move is part of a wider trend across world football, one in which an ever-shrinking number of clubs can realistically attract the best talent.

That has been the case to some degree for a long time, but it's telling when even a historically significant power such as Real Madrid is beginning to lose ground, as Miguel Delaney of the Independent noted:

Amazing to think Mbappe signing for *Madrid* would have been better for football.

Any player being paid this much, where only state clubs can compete, is a bad precedent for football. That was always the Qatari aim - raise fees/wages to such a point only a few clubs can compete.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 21, 2022

Of course, English football legend and former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker noted there's a level of irony in La Liga drawing a line in the sand here:

I love Spanish football, but the bleating about @KMbappe staying at @PSG_English ruining the sport is a bit much. The 2 Spanish giants have always attracted and paid enormous sums for for the game’s superstars. No one else got a look in. Can’t always have things your own way.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 21, 2022

Real Madrid, for example, has been siphoning off top talent from lesser opposition for years.

And in terms of spending above your means, the failed Super League was largely viewed as a vehicle for Real Madrid and other top clubs to begin addressing their sizable debts. Perez and past presidents have been savvy in finding inventive ways to balance the books.

It's unclear what kind of consequences PSG could face as a result of La Liga's legal measures. In May 2014, the club was fined 60 million euros ($63 million) and a squad reduction in UEFA competition for the following season for FFP breaches.

Despite heavy speculation of a move to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain announced Saturday that superstar forward Kylian Mbappe is sticking with the club.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the new deal runs through 2025:

🚨 OFFICIAL. Kylian Mbappé stays at Paris Saint-Germain, contract signed until June 2025. #Mbappé

Official club video here ⤵️🎥 #PSG pic.twitter.com/XGlM8GMOK0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2022

Nasser Al Khelaifi: “I’m proud to give you a beautiful news: Kylian Mbappé has signed until June 2025 with Paris Saint-Germain”. 🇫🇷🤝 #Mbappé

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2022

Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports first reported Saturday that Mbappe had agreed to renew his contract with PSG.

Romano later confirmed Di Marzio's report, noting that Mbappe will stay at PSG after informing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his decision. Per Tariq Panja of the New York Times, Mbappe received offers exceeding $200 million from both PSG and Real Madrid.

The development comes just four days after ESPN's Julien Laurens reported that PSG had "given up" on retaining Mbappe and expected him to announce a move to Real Madrid "imminently."

Laurens also reported at the time that PSG had made Mbappe a huge offer to stay, including a new contract, promises of a better squad for next season, the captaincy and 100 percent of his own image rights.

It was noted that PSG was confident in Mbappe remaining with the club last week, only for the tide to seemingly shift in Real's favor.

Another twist occurred on Friday, though, with ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez reporting there was "nervousness and confusion" within Real Madrid regarding the club's chances of landing Mbappe.

The report suggested there was "pessimism" over Mbappe making the move, although PSG was reportedly equally uncertain about whether he would stay.

Mbappe's mother, Fayza Lamari, told Kora Plus (h/t Kirkland and Faez) on Friday that PSG and Real made Mbappe "almost identical" contract offers.

She said Mbappe had agreed to both offers but hadn't yet decided on his future.

The 23-year-old French national is widely viewed as one of the best players in the world. He has been named Ligue 1's best player three years running and has led the league in goals three times. He has also led PSG to four Ligue 1 titles, as well as a second-place finish in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League.

He has also scored 30 or more goals across all competitions for PSG in each of the past four seasons, including 36 so far this season.

Mbappe has performed at a superstar level on the international stage as well, earning the Best Young Player Award at the 2018 World Cup en route to helping France win the FIFA World Cup.

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo 34 and 37 years old respectively, Mbappe looks to be the player who will dominate soccer for years to come.

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly set to choose between re-signing with Paris Saint-Germain or joining Real Madrid "over the next few days," but he's yet to communicate his decision to either club.

ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez reported Friday that "pessimism" has grown at Madrid after limited contact with Mbappe in recent weeks, while a "similar level of uncertainty" exists at PSG as they work to keep the 23-year-old superstar forward.

The situation was seemingly trending in favor of Real Madrid earlier in the week when ESPN's Julien Laurens reported the Parisians were set to give up on their efforts to keep the French international.

PSG offered Mbappe a massive extension along with the captain's armband, the ability to keep 100 percent of earnings from his image rights and a promise to upgrade the squad before next season, per Laurens.

The Ligue 1 champions appeared to lose confidence when the proposal wasn't accepted, but it now sounds like Mbappe has simply decided to keep his decision close to the vest until it's announced.

PSG's offer is "significantly higher" than what Real Madrid has put on the table, according to Kirkland and Faez.

Mbappe's decision has the potential to shift the balance of power in Europe.

The dynamic forward has recorded 168 goals across 216 appearances in all competitions across five seasons at PSG.

He's coming off a 2021-22 campaign in which he tallied six goals and four assists in eight UEFA Champions League matches. He also scored 25 goals in 34 matches to help lead the club to its eighth Ligue 1 championship in the past 10 years.

Not only would Mbappe's departure leave a massive void at PSG, but he'd provide another elite option for a Real Madrid attack that's already showcased its might as the club advanced to the UCL final against Liverpool on May 28.

Quite a week could be on the horizon for Los Blancos if they raise the Champions League trophy and finalize an Mbappe transfer within a couple days of each other.