Charlotte Harpur

Deschamps and France used Mbappe's injury to their advantage, keeping the Netherlands on their toes

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman believes Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal against France “should have stood”, as his side drew 0-0 in Friday’s Group D clash at the European Championship. Koeman’s side appeared to have taken the lead in the second half with a strike from Simons. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled out the goal, believing that Denzel Dumfries, who was adjudged to have been in an offside position, obstructed goalkeeper Mike Maignan and prevented him from saving the shot. Koeman said: “I think the position of Dumfries is offside, that’s...

There was surprise when the Al Ittihad midfielder was recalled for Euro 2024 but, already, he has demonstrated what he still offers France

Chelsea are set to sign France forward Sandy Baltimore on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Women’s Super League champions to keep her at the club until 2028. The move will see Baltimore link up with new Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor after the former Lyon boss was confirmed as Emma Hayes’ successor last month. Although the appointment of compatriot Bompastor did not influence Baltimore’s decision to join Chelsea, it has reassured her ahead of the move. The France international has spent the entirety of...

France captain Kylian Mbappe appears on course to be available for his side’s European Championship game against the Netherlands on Friday. Mbappe fractured his nose in an aerial collision with Austria defender Kevin Danso and was subsequently replaced in the closing stages of the 1-0 victory over Austria. The 25-year-old, who has scored 47 goals in 80 appearances for his country, joined Wednesday’s training session with a large bandage on his nose but without any kind of protective mask. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed in a news conference on Thursday that France will...

Lyon have hired former Arsenal and Juventus manager Joe Montemurro as their new head coach. The Athletic reported that Lyon were set to bring in the 54-year-old earlier on Tuesday and the 54-year-old has now signed a two-year deal. The Ligue 1 side have been searching for a new coach since Sonia Bompastor departed for Chelsea to replace Emma Hayes last month. Vincent Ponsot, Lyon Women CEO, and owner Michele Kang led the search for Bompastor’s replacement. Lyon spoke to several coaches, with Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa among the candidates, and Kang also reached out to managers from...

The Athletic talks to ex-players and nasal experts to find out more about the France striker's injury and recovery process - and mask-making

Two experienced internationals talk The Athletic through their pregnancy journeys – and explain the challenges they have faced

X-rays at a Dusseldorf hospital confirmed a fracture – but the France striker intends to play on at these Euros wearing a protective mask

Kylian Mbappe says he stands for “diversity, tolerance and respect” as he urged young people in France to vote in the upcoming election. France forward Marcus Thuram yesterday called on citizens to vote and “fight every day” to ensure the National Rally, France’s far-right political party, did not gain power when the country goes to the polls over the next three weeks. While Mbappe did not go as far as publicly confirming his political allegiance, he said he shared the same values as his team-mate. The France captain added while his side would not allow their...

Kylian Mbappe won’t be taking part in the Olympic Games in Paris but will be watching as a fan and hopes France “bring home the gold medal.” France Under-23 coach Thierry Henry omitted the Real Madrid forward from a 25-player squad which will be cut to 18 by July 3 ahead of the Games. Mbappe, 25, had previously spoken of his “ambition” to play at the tournament in his home country but was aware any decision was out of his hands and instead the call of his new club, whom he officially joined earlier this month. GO DEEPERThe full inside story of Kylian Mbappe's Real...

Arsenal are interested in signing England international Keira Walsh from Barcelona. Walsh, who joined the Catalan side from Manchester City in 2022 for a then-world record transfer fee in a deal worth more than £400,000 ($457,000), has one year left on her contract. Barcelona see Walsh as an important part of their team and would demand a large transfer fee from Arsenal should they pursue the midfielder. Indeed, the north London club may be interested but whether a fee or contract can be agreed is another matter. The 27-year-old won the quadruple with Barcelona this season and the treble the...

France captain Kylian Mbappe and forward Kingsley Coman missed training on Thursday ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Austria on Monday. Mbappe, 25, did individual work indoors away from the rest of the team while Coman, 28, missed training due to illness. Defender Ibrahima Konate and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni both started the group training session but then broke off to do individual exercises with the physical trainer. Konate, 25, is experiencing cold symptoms while Tchouameni, 24, is continuing his recovery protocol after sustaining a stress injury to his left foot during the...

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has signed a new two-year contract to keep her at the club until 2026. The Australia captain’s existing deal was set to expire this summer, but The Athletic reported in January she had agreed a deal in principle to extend her stay with the west London club. As part of the contract announcement, Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow have been temporarily re-named in Kerr’s honour. Stamford Bridge has been renamed ‘Samford Bridge’ and Kingsmeadow ‘Kerrsmeadow’. A sign will be installed at the Britannia Gate entrance to Stamford Bridge from...

Real Madrid's new signing looked liberated in Wednesday's win over Luxembourg after his summer transfer saga