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<p>Kylian Mbappe’s new deal with <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint Germain</a> comes along with rumored benefits.</p>
<p>After months of speculation that the Frenchman would join Spanish side Real Madrid, the transfer saga ended with a twist. Prior to PSG’s season finale against Metz, Kylian Mbappe stepped in front of the Parc des Princes crowd to roars. The influence he has over the fans will reflect over the club.</p>
<p>The money exchanged is no surprise. The three-year deal sees him earn up to <a href="https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/kylian-mbappe-wage-messi-ronaldo-27065444">50 million euros</a>, or around $54 million, in each season in the French capital. Plus, PSG paid Mbappe and his agent <a href="https:\/\/www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/kylian-mbappes-signing-on-fee-means-psg-have-bought-him-twice#:~:text=According%20to%20journalist%20and%20Spanish,his%20new%20deal%20with%20PSG.">150 million euros</a>, $160 million, simply as a sign-on fee, according to Guillem Balague. The 23-year-old likely deserves such high wages and funding. His raw talent and ever-present room for development are simply too good to ignore.</p>
<p>Rather, Mbappe’s rumored benefits are the things that turn the heads of soccer fans. Part of this new deal with PSG was the departure of PSG sporting director Leonardo. That, in addition to the arrival of new players, was key for Mbappe’s staying in France. This effectively gives the star major influence regarding all of the club’s hiring matters.</p>
<p>The likely successor to Leonardo is Luis Campos. Mbappe is keen on bringing in the transfer guru. In fact, Campos was the sporting director at AS Monaco when Mbappe burst on to the scene in 2017. Amid these actions, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/22/mbappe-in-position-of-power-at-psg-after-agreeing-to-new-deal/">Maurico Pochettino could also be in the firing line</a>. Both player and manager failed to see eye-to-eye. A potential replacement could be former Real Madrid manager and French icon Zinedine Zidane.</p>
<h3>The threats of Mbappe’s rumored benefits</h3>
<p>In a press conference discussing the deal, Kylian Mbappe was clear and direct with his role at PSG. <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/23/kylian-mbappe-denies-signing-psg-deal-to-gain-power-over-club-decisions">He claimed</a> he will “not go above the role of a footballer.”</p>
<p>Still, the recent changes to PSG surrounding Mbappe’s stay come as a danger. The player is seemingly able to say when the manager gets sacked. Plus, developing a close relationship with Campos could allow Mbappe to have a say in which teammates go on sale or come in. Managers will want to cater to Mbappe’s needs to ensure they keep their most prized possession Mbappe and their job safe.</p>
<p>There is also the consequence of affecting the team’s chemistry. Mbappe is a great talent, but his career is quite short of teammates Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi. These players, and those like Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski or Luis Suarez never held this much power.</p>
<p>For a club that lacks the historical success of European rivals, PSG could be breaking in a new era of player-oriented control. The impact on the game is unprecedented. However, players with the talent and potential of Kylian Mbappe do not exactly come around often. Plus, the dependence on money to be successful in the modern era changed how teams go about finding ways to win.</p>
<p>Mbappe was the story entering the 2022 summer transfer rumor mill. With his saga over, the focus now turns to how PSG caters to their star for the next three seasons at least.</p>
<p><em>Photo credit: Getty Images</em></p>


Kylian Mbappe's rumored benefits include things like say in transfers and managers. For any player, especially this young, it is too much.

Mbappe's rumored benefits allow too much power for one player - World Soccer Talk

Mbappe's rumored benefits allow too much power for one player

<div id="attachment_367687" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-367687" class="wp-caption-text">Photo credit: John Berry/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Despite a midweek win, Saint-Etienne’s struggles still mean the club is in a historically poor position.</p>
<p>As things stand, <em>Les Verts </em>average a paltry .68 points per game in <a href="https:\/\/www.ligue1.com/ranking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ligue 1</a>. That number actually jumped following the club’s most recent result. A 1-0 win over Angers ended an eight-game losing skid in the league. Currently, Saint-Etienne is on pace to finish the Ligue 1 season with just 26 points. That just about guarantees relegation.</p>
<p>For context on how substandard this is, this is developing into one of ASSE’s worst seasons ever. The win in gameweek 22 is just the third of the season. Simultaneously, the clubs 13 losses lead the division. Well, they are in the Coupe de France. But, that is mostly because Saint-Etienne played a pair of fourth-division sides.</p>
<p>This team is not like the 10-time title-winners of the 1980s, the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue winners or even the Europa League squad of 2019. Rather, the club’s first relegation since 2001 seems more and more like reality.</p>
<p>Saint-Etienne’s struggles mean that bright stars are on a sinking ship. Decisions are imminent in terms of jumping overboard.</p>
<h3>Saint-Etienne’s recent struggles</h3>
<p>Saint-Etienne dominated the French scene in the 1980s. Clearly, those days are in the past. However, the Saint-Etienne sides of the past 20 years produced elite talents. Among those to come through the ranks at the club are Dimitri Payet, Blaise Matuidi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. As a club, ASSE advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup. Also, the club won the now-defunct Coupe de la Ligue in 2013.</p>
<p>From then on, things at the club spiraled downhill. Yet, the club did not trap itself in the relegation zone like the Saint-Etienne struggles of today. Then, Saint-Etienne desperately craved the trophies and European action, even if the club was not quite there. The club’s European drought looked set to continue after exiting the Europa League in the round of 32.</p>
<p>ASSE dropped to 16th place during the 2017/18 season, leading to manager Julien Sablé’s sacking. The replacement, Jean-Louis Gasset, led <em>Les Verts</em> to a 13-game unbeaten streak. The run of form propelled the club to a seventh-place finish in league play.</p>
<p>The next season, Saint-Etienne finished fourth under the guidance of Gasset. Consequently, Saint-Etienne qualified for the Europa League.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for <em>Les Verts, </em>Gasset resigned over transfer money disputes with the board. Without him, Saint-Etienne finished a shortened 2019/20 season&nbsp; at 17th, just seven points above relegation. With a full season resuming in 2020/21, ASSE pulled a rabbit out of its hat. Hovering just above the drop for the entire season, a final stretch of games propelled the club to 11th at season’s end.</p>
<h5>2021/22 Campaign</h5>
<p>A big chunk of the 2020/21 season hinted at Saint-Etienne’s current season. The club started in the worst way possible, kicking off the season with a twelve-game winless run.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We conceded three goals at home, and it is unacceptable,”</em> star striker Wahbi Khazri ranted.</p></blockquote>
<p>Khazri also used some expletives to show frustration with his teammates’ and his performances.</p>
<p>A win against Clermont Foot dragged Saint-Etienne out of last place. Only Metz’s nine points after 13 games sat beneath ASSE. Then, another win, this time against Troyes, set the stage for a classic Saint-Etienne run of form.</p>
<p>That was until a six-game losing streak put Saint-Etienne back where it started.</p>
<p>In the French Cup, Saint-Etienne keeps moving along. In its first game, <em>Les Verts</em> squeaked past fourth-tier team Lyon La Duchere. A sole goal from Arnaud Nordin prevented parity in the match.</p>
<p>A noticeable improved performance followed in the round of 32, this time against Jura Sud Foot. While this is another fourth-tier side, Saint-Etienne comfortably <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/01/02/saint-etienne-beat-jura-sud-after-french-cup-hit-by-more-crowd-trouble/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dispatched its opposition, 4-1</a>.</p>
<p>Now in the round of 16, Saint-Etienne got the luck of the draw again. They will play Bergerac, another fourth-tier side. However, Bergerac is top of its group in that division.</p>
<p>The Bergerac clash will be a big turning point for Saint-Etienne. Advancing to the quarterfinals would be a bright-spot in a notorious campaign.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220127_WST_367655_c2cec7c1f55854e16c2efb2d41053c9e4dd61d2d.webp&amp;width=768&amp;height=557" alt="" width="768" height="557"></figure></div>
<h3>The game’s defining Saint-Etienne’s season</h3>
<p>Three games accurately reflect Saint-Etienne’s struggles this season. Without improvement on these performances, chalk the club up to fall to Ligue 2.</p>
<h5>Lorient 1, Saint-Etienne 1</h5>
<p>This game opened ASSE’s Ligue 1 campaign in front of thousands. It appeared to be a promising start after the previous season’s struggles.</p>
<p>Saint-Etienne opened the match in a 4-4-1-1. However, the club failed to score in the first half. Lorient preyed on Saint-Etienne’s inability to score by knocking one in as the second-half got underway. A Wahbi Khazri penalty put the clubs back on level terms, which would remain the scoreline for the rest of the game.</p>
<p>ASSE logged 2.1 xG in the match, according to FBREF. Some of this was because of Denis Bouanga’s heroic efforts. He totaled eight shots and 62 touches, making him an integral part of the offense. Khazri showed his worth with his clinical finishing from the spot.</p>
<p>Overall, the match left a positive note for the season. Clearly, this game provided false hope for the remainder of the USMNT’s season.</p>
<h5>Saint-Etienne 0, Rennes 5</h5>
<p>Undoubtedly, this is Saint-Etienne’s low point of the season.</p>
<p>ASSE, playing in a 4-4-2, conceded a duo of goals early in the match. Martin Terrier scored twice in a span of just six minutes. Rennes struck again, this time off an own goal as the first half concluded. Terrier completed his hat-trick almost immediately after the second half started. Then, in the closing moments of the fixture, Chimuanya Ugochukwu scored the fifth Rennes goal of the day.</p>
<p>Saint-Etienne only won two of its Ligue 1 games then. Consequently, the club entered as massive underdogs. Even then, a loss of this size came as a shock to ASSE supporters and the players alike.</p>
<p>Khazri logged three shots but could not score as he did against Lorient. Saint-Etienne’s defense was surprisingly bad, failing to provide the offense with any kind of hope.</p>
<h5>Reims 2, Saint-Etienne 0</h5>
<p>Zero-point-one. 0.1. That was the xG ASSE produced in a horrific match against Reims.</p>
<p>ASSE lined up in a 4-3-3, focused on capturing their third Ligue 1 win of the season. El Bilal Toure’s 23rd-minute penalty quickly silenced the hopeful murmurs among a helpless Saint-Etienne side. The deficit was just one goal, but it was a bridge Les Verts could not cross.</p>
<p>Khazri did not produce his usual level of offensive productiveness. A red card from Denis Bounanga at the end of the first half did not help Saint-Etienne’s cause either.</p>
<p>Nathanael Mbuku’s 89th-minute score put all possibilities of a draw away.</p>
<p>It was a mediocre performance from Saint-Etienne. The entire Saint-Etienne team produced fewer shots than Toure, by himself, did. Khazri was not as involved in the game as his team needed him to be. The omission of a man forced Saint-Etienne into an uncomfortable position. Reims burnt ASSE down the wings, so their toughness on the flanks will need to be resolved soon.</p>
<h3>Hope for escaping the struggles</h3>
<p>Yet, there is still hope for Saint-Etienne despite its struggles. For one, it is a well-assembled team with a lot of prestige. Also, the roster itself is better than its current league position. Among them are one of the league’s best strikers, two young and agile keepers, and a defensive midfielder that the world’s best clubs have an eye on.</p>
<p>A showdown with fourth-tier side Bergerac in the French Cup will be helpful to see how focused Saint-Etienne is on their season. A quarter-finals appearance will be one of the high points of their season, and on Sunday, they will have a chance to book its tickets to the quarters.</p>
<p>After a derby with Lyon, they will play middling team Montpellier in their first February matchup. Montpellier is a quality side, and their attack is fine. <em>Les Verts</em> will look to exploit a sometimes-frustrated defense on February 5.</p>
<p>Although this looks out of Saint-Etienne’s reach, a PSG matchup looms around the corner. PSG already looks like the 2021-22 champions of Ligue 1, although Ligue 1 only just passed the halfway mark of its current campaign. In a PSG game, we can see the disparity between the ASSE teams of the 1980s and this current side. A win will reveal that the squad is better than the standings say. A loss is expected but will hurt their chances of staying in Ligue 1.</p>
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<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/interview-with-laurence-mckenna-about-paris-tragedy-and-england-france-game" title="Interview with Laurence McKenna about Paris tragedy and England-France game" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">Interview with Laurence McKenna about Paris tragedy and England-France game</a></div>


Saint-Etienne's struggles in Ligue 1 play this season are historic for a club of its size, and relegation could be on the cards.

Saint-Etienne's struggles put club on brink of relegation - World Soccer Talk

Saint-Etienne's struggles put club on brink of relegation

<p><a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq"></a></p><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq"></a></figure></div><p></p>
<p>ESPN+ is a must-have for many soccer fans in the United States. ESPN’s acquisition of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/07/17/espn-faq-for-la-liga-everything-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. rights to LaLiga</a> was built on the development of streaming services for sports coverage.</p>
<p>Not only does <a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the service</a> stream matches in English, but they also air every LaLiga game in Spanish. The decision to stream in both languages was frankly essential for the company and viewers.</p>
<p>Prior to LaLiga’s agreement with ESPN, beIN SPORTS held the television rights for the Spanish league in the United States.</p>
<p>During the last five seasons, beIN SPORTS en Español pulled nearly three times the amount of viewers than their English-language beIN SPORTS channel for LaLiga matches. ESPN, clearly aware of these numbers, made the wise decision to stream LaLiga games in both English and Spanish.</p>
<p>With the prominence of Spanish-language broadcasts, ESPN gave the language special attention. ESPN+ General Manager Russell Wolff spoke on the platform’s growth in both languages.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We’ve seen steady subscriber growth overall on ESPN+ and have seen the Hispanic fan base grow as well,”</em> claimed Wolff in early 2020. <em>“Digital usage is up as well across the board, including on ESPN Deportes.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Additionally, Wolff mentioned the doors opened through the service’s multiple-language broadcasts. The boost in eyes watching the service means a consequential boost in possible advertisers.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“More content should equal more usage, which should also lead to more attention from advertisers,”</em> Wolff said.</p>
<p><em>“With Spanish-language broadcasts, we have more opportunities to offer partners the chance to speak directly to Spanish language subscribers, which is a desirable audience that is hard to reach.”</em></p></blockquote>
<h3>ESPN+ Spanish-language experience</h3>
<p>Undeniably, it is a positive to have the Spanish-language broadcasts through ESPN+. However, the user experience for Spanish-speakers is disappointing to say the least.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/where-to-watch-la-liga-on-us-tv-and-internet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE</a>:</strong></em>&nbsp;<em>How to watch LaLiga on U.S. TV.</em></p>
<p>Yes, LaLiga matches and other viewing content can be streamed in Spanish. But, the actual navigation and commands in the app are in English no matter what subscribers watch. </p>
<p>ESPN+ does offer a <a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/XxNNra" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sign-up process in Spanish</a>, but after you register for the app itself, it’s an all-English language experience.</p>
<p>A major factor for ESPN acquiring LaLiga rights in the U.S. was clearly to attract Spanish-language speakers. However, it appears as if ESPN could be doing more to help their target audience inside the actual app. It remains to be seen if the company currently has plans to make the necessary adjustments.</p>
<p>Yes, ESPN+ this week added a new section to the app entitled <a href="https:\/\/espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/09/espn-introduces-espn-mas-a-year-round-curated-collection-of-streaming-sports-content-for-and-about-hispanic-and-latinx-athletes-fans-and-communities/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ESPN+ MÁS</a> that focuses on Spanish-language content, but it isn’t enough. All of the navigation on the ESPN+ app is still in English.</p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/05/messi-to-leave-barcelona-as-contract-talks-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi’s departure</a> from Barcelona to Ligue Un surely disappointed ESPN. Although the Spanish league will still remain one of the top divisions in European soccer, Messi’s departure certainly put a dent in ESPN’s projected subscriber growth.</p>


ESPN+ now broadcasts LaLiga coverage in the United States. Good news, they have English and Spanish. Bad news, the Spanish-language experience is subpar.

ESPN+ faces language barrier trying to reach LaLiga's fans - World Soccer Talk

ESPN+ faces language barrier trying to reach LaLiga's fans

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>A historic hat-trick against Bolivia gave Lionel Messi the men’s record for most goals scored by a South American international with 79, passing Pele’s mark of 77. However, Messi’s focus is on another Brazilian legend’s achievement.</p>
<p>The record Messi is now aiming for is that of most trophies in a career.</p>
<p>Currently, Dani Alves holds the record. Alves won 43 trophies with six clubs and Brazil in his 20-year career.</p>
<p>Most of his titles come from his time at Barcelona. During 2008-16, he won 23 titles with the Catalan club. Messi and the 2008-09 LaLiga Defender of the Season formed one of the most lethal partnerships in soccer history. They dominated the right flank with their interplay, passing combinations, overlapping runs, dribbling and playmaking abilities.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“I want to finish my last years competing for titles,” </em>Lionel Messi said during his introductory press conference.</p>
<p><em>“I congratulate Dani Alves, who won the Olympic [gold] medal and I warn him that I am going to fight to catch up with him and surpass him. That is my mentality.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>The Brazilian actually played his most recent European soccer for the Parisians. Now, Messi, who had no choice in his <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/18/barcelonas-1-5-billion-debt-how-a-mega-club-fell-into-a-financial-black-hole-and-lost-its-star/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure from Barcelona</a>, will seek more trophies at the Parc des Princes.</p>
<h3><strong>Lionel Messi not slowing down</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_345448" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-345448" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-345448" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210914_WST_345447_Dani-Alves-Supercup-300x244.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=244" alt="" width="300" height="244" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Dani-Alves-Supercup-300x244.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Dani-Alves-Supercup-600x488.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Dani-Alves-Supercup-150x122.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Dani-Alves-Supercup.jpg 668w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-345448" class="wp-caption-text">Dani Alves pictured with the 2015 UEFA Super Cup won with FC Barcelona.</p></div>
<p>A gift that Alves shares with Lionel Messi is they make their teammates better with their decision-making and chance creation.</p>
<p>Even as a right-back, Alves <a href="https:\/\/fbref.com/en/players/c9e99e49/Dani-Alves">led La Liga in assists</a> during the 2006-07 campaign. Messi on the other hand, led La Liga in assists a record-<a href="https:\/\/fbref.com/en/players/d70ce98e/Lionel-Messi">six times</a>. Having those attributes enhances the impact a player has on the rest of the squad. It also helps by sustaining your longevity because physical attributes wane, your mind gets sharper.</p>
<p>At 34, Lionel Messi still holds the title of best player in the world. The forward lifted the proverbial monkey off his back when Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final, 1-0, thanks to an Angel di Maria goal.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“It’s crazy, the happiness the feeling is inexplicable; I knew that at some point it was going to happen,”</em> said Lionel Messi after the Copa American final triumph.</p>
<p><em>“The objective was clear, and we were able to be champions. The happiness is immense. Many times, I have dreamed of this.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Pundits often ridiculed the six-time Ballon d’Or winner due to his relative lack of success with <em>La Albicileste</em>. However, he led the tournament in goals, four, and assists, five. The continental competition came right after Messi won his eighth <a href="https:\/\/messivsronaldoera.com/pichichi-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pichichi</a>, also a record, given to the most goals in the LaLiga season.</p>
<p>Messi currently has 37 trophies in his cabinet.</p>
<p>“It’s crazy, the happiness the feeling is inexplicable. I knew that at some point it was going to happen. The objective was clear, and we were able to be champions. The happiness is immense. Many times, I have dreamed of this,” said Messi in after the Copa America final.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-345455 aligncenter" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210914_WST_345447_Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=722" alt="" width="1200" height="722" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize-600x361.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize-150x90.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Messi-and-Dani-Alves-Resize-768x462.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>New Challenges</h3>
<p>Now that the 12-time Argentine Footballer of the Year is in France, his club will participate in two domestic cup competitions. The Coupe de France is their equivalent to the FA Cup and the Coupe de la Ligue serves as the French League Cup. It is possible that Messi ties his former teammate’s trophy record in 2023.</p>
<p>But, Alves is still active as well. He is a free agent after Sao Paulo released the veteran due to the club owing delayed salary payments. Even at 38, he is still a player that can help many teams around the world.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“He is in impressive physical shape. The maturity he has speaks for itself,”</em> Brazil’s U-23 coach Andre Jardine said about Alves.</p>
<p><em>“He is very experienced and is very clear on every decision he makes. He is an example to all Brazilian footballers.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>It will be interesting to see where Alves lands.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Lionel Messi is on a mission to break the trophy record.</p>
<p>Alves will not make the task easy as he also looks to add more to his resume.</p>


Lionel Messi makes a case for greatest soccer player in history. To bolster his argument, he is chasing down a record held by an old teammate and friend.

Lionel Messi inching closer to yet another record - World Soccer Talk

Lionel Messi inching closer to yet another record

<p><a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></figure></div><p></p>
<p>PSG produced some dominating teams over the last decade. In fact, they managed to win the French Ligue 1 title in seven of the last nine seasons.</p>
<p>However, this year’s team is perhaps the most exciting squad at the Parc des Princes ever. For one, a handful of <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/fc-paris-saint-germain/transfers/verein/583" target="_blank" rel="noopener">already-elite players arrived</a>. Young stars Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi arrived. Also, a veteran presence in Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum bring Champions-League-winning pedigree to the club. Still, the prized-acquisition is arguably the greatest player to step on a field, Lionel Messi.</p>
<p>Adding Messi means that this PSG team will be one of the most-watched clubs around the soccer world. With a front three of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, <em>Les Rouge et Bleu</em> essentially have a fantasy team in attack. So how can we watch the trio live in action here stateside? Let’s take a look.</p>
<h3>How to watch PSG throughout the season</h3>
<h5>Ligue Un</h5>
<p>BeIN SPORTS currently owns the rights to broadcast Ligue 1 games in the United States through the end of the 2023/24 season. On a typical weekend during the Ligue 1 season, every PSG game is shown on beIN SPORTS (or beIN SPORTS Connect). For fans of other French clubs, matches are also available via beIN SPORTS, or on one of their sister channels such as beIN SPORTS Connect or beIN SPORTS XTRA. The network also has a Spanish-language channel that broadcasts games called beIN Sports en Español.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/where-to-watch-ligue-un-on-us-tv-and-internet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>READ MORE</strong></em></a><em>: How to watch Ligue Un on U.S. TV.</em></p>
<p>Some of PSG’s domestic cup matches, Coupe de France, can also be watched on beIN SPORTS.</p>
<p>BeIN SPORTS may not be an American sports channel giant when it comes to name recognition. Yet, they do an excellent job with their Ligue 1 coverage. The beIN SPORTS networks can be accessed on streaming services such as <a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fuboTV</a>, <a href="https:\/\/www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage">Sling</a>, <a href="http:\/\/vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004">Vidgo</a>, and <a href="https:\/\/fanatiz.jbbfvx.net/k3E2d">Fanatiz</a>.</p>
<h5></h5>
<p><a href="https:\/\/paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-265969 alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210910_WST_344834_uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-600x401.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-200x134.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy.jpeg 680w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></a></figure></div><p></p>
<h5>UEFA Champions League</h5>
<p>Along with their domestic matches, PSG also play in the UEFA Champions League. This competition will allow soccer fans to watch Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe line up together against the best clubs in all of Europe.</p>
<p>This season, PSG have been drawn in group A, alongside Manchester City, RB Leipzig, and Club Brugge.</p>
<p>All UEFA Champions League matches are available in the United States through <a href="https:\/\/paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paramount+</a>. The streaming service is currently $4.99 per month, or $50 annually, and offers a 7-day free trial.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Complete Champions League TV schedule and streaming links.</em></p>
<p>PSG begin their 2021/22 Champions League campaign against Club Brugge on September 15th.</p>
<p>No matter the competition, PSG games will certainly be a spectacle this season. Three superstars not only in the same team, but lining up together in an attacking front three is truly special.</p>
<p>Also, Mbappe is reportedly eyeing a move away to Real Madrid next summer. Essentially, the only chance to see this trio grace the pitch could be this season.</p>


PSG produced some dominating teams over the last decade. In fact, they managed to win the French Ligue 1 title in seven of the last nine seasons.

How to watch PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé this season - World Soccer Talk

How to watch PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé this season

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Eduardo Camavinga may not have been the French international <em>Los Blancos</em> set their sights on for the summer transfer window. Kylian Mbappé dominated the rumor mill, but Camavinga will <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/31/real-madrid-sign-france-prodigy-camavinga-from-rennes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">enter the Santiago Bernabeu</a> this season.</p>
<p>Real Madrid purchased Camavinga from Stade Rennais for $47 million. Furthermore, this figure includes guaranteed add-ons. Beginning this season, the 18-year-old played on the last year of his contract. The Brittany-based club decided to cash in on their wonderkid before he left as a free agent next season.</p>
<h3>The rapid ascension of Eduardo Camavinga</h3>
<p>Camavinga was the youngest person to sign a professional contract and the youngest to make a first team debut for Rennes when he was 16 years and four months old on April 6, 2019.</p>
<p>His breakout performance came in a 2-1 victory against reigning Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain. The teenager won the Man-of-the-Match award by simply dominating the center of&nbsp;the game. Also, he broke up play with his tackling and dished out the game-winning assist in the 48th minute. Suddenly, the soccer world took notice of another special talent developing in France.</p>
<p>Eduardo Camavinga continued his impressive form and received Ligue 1 Player of the Month for August 2019. As the season carried on, Camavinga became a critical player for his club. His versatility in the middle of the pitch helped him to contribute in whatever role his team needed.</p>
<p>Initially, Stade Rennais used him as a holding midfielder. The Frenchman sat in front of the defense and broke up play. However, manager Julien Stéphan realized the way Camavinga could dribble past opponents and drive the ball into the final third. Eventually, he converted Camavinga into a box-to-box midfielder. Moreover, his touch, awareness and passing ability displayed that he could be used as an attacking midfielder in situations when Rennes needed to score a goal.</p>
<div id="attachment_344168" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-344168" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-344168" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210901_WST_344157_Stade-Rennais-600x450.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=450" alt="" width="600" height="450" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Stade-Rennais-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-344168" class="wp-caption-text">Camavinga joined Stade Rennais as an 11-year-old, taking him just five years to make his first appearance for the senior team.</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Au Revoir</h3>
<p>In a COVID-shortened-2019/20 season, Rennes finished third and qualified for the Champions League for the first time. However, their time in the most prestigious club competition did not last long. <a href="https:\/\/www.footballcritic.com/uefa-champions-league/season-2020-2021/400/41471" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One point from six games</a> saw them knocked out in the group stage. Domestically, Rennes fell to sixth in Ligue Un play. Stéphan stepped down from his role during on March 1 when the club lost four consecutive matches and seven without a win.</p>
<p>Eduardo Camavinga planned on playing in the Olympics and was called up to participate. Rennes blocked the move because they wanted to resolve his future and prevent any major injury from occurring.</p>
<p>Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid all came out as suitors for the French prospect. Furthermore, <em>Los Blancos</em> made the only bid for the midfielder. And, now, Camavinga will feature at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>
<div id="attachment_344164" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-344164" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-344164 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210901_WST_344157_Camavinga-FIFA-300x375.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=375" alt="Eduardo Camavinga" width="300" height="375" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Camavinga-FIFA-300x375.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Camavinga-FIFA-600x750.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Camavinga-FIFA-150x188.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Camavinga-FIFA-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Camavinga-FIFA.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-344164" class="wp-caption-text">Real Madrid, which shares a deal with FIFA, provided an early glimpse at what Eduardo Camavinga will look like in the famous white kit of Real Madrid.</p></div>
<h3>International Record Breaker</h3>
<p>Camavinga set himself on a path to being the next great all-action midfielder for the French National Team. Legends like Patrick Vieira and Jean Tigana, along with contemporaries N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba have their DNA in the youngster.</p>
<p>He made history by being the youngest player to be selected by France since 1932. After his debut, Camavinga felt blessed by being given the opportunity.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“First of all, I feel joy and pride for my family and for all French people. I have no idea where this confidence comes from, I have often played with older players, and it surely allowed me to have a greater maturity to play with them,”</em> said the teenager to TF1.</p></blockquote>
<p>On October 7, he made his first start for his nation and became the youngest person to score a goal for France since 1914. A cheeky overhead flick in the six-yard box opened the scoring in a 7-1 victory over Ukraine. Camavinga impressed one of the midfielders he aspires to be like.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“He is very at ease; he is a little dancer. It is good because he is confident. He has confidence in his qualities. He is a very good youngster; I like him enormously,”</em> said Paul Pogba after the friendly.</p></blockquote>
<h3>Heir Apparent</h3>
<p>The midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are coming to an end. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro will only boss LaLiga midfields for so much longer. Their legendary reign yielded two LaLiga trophies and two Supercopas. Internationally, the trio picked up three consecutive Champions League crowns and four FIFA Club World Cups.</p>
<p>Modric is a free agent at the end of the season. Now, it appears the club found his successor.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Eduardo Camavinga may not be Kylian Mbappe. However, the French midfielder shares the same unending potential as his compatriot, and will join Real Madrid.

Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid's new midfield gem - World Soccer Talk

Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid's new midfield gem

<p>In the United States, we are used to the best. &nbsp;The best cars, the best electronics, the best TV shows, everything we have is the best. &nbsp;Even if we did not make it or create it, we still want it here in the U.S. &nbsp;So when the best version of a product cannot been found here in the U.S., we enter a state of denial. &nbsp;It’s an unnatural state for us.</p>
<p>This past twelve months, when players like Brek Shea left MLS to go overseas, a state of panic hit MLS fandom. &nbsp;We were used to up-and-coming players leaving, players like Tim Ream who seemingly needed to go abroad to reach their full potential. &nbsp;These players were names, but the Tim Reams of the world were not the faces of MLS; they left before they could become that. &nbsp;But when guys like Geoff Cameron and Shea leave, these are the faces of the league. &nbsp;We assume that the league has a plan to establish identity guys besides Landon Donovan that are MLS and don’t need to go to England to become professionally actualized.</p>
<p>The fact is though, MLS is a feeder league. &nbsp;In fact, all but maybe three or four leagues worldwide are feeder leagues. &nbsp;Soccer internationally has the behemoths – the Barclays Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga with Serie A and Ligue Un trying to enter that upper echelon. &nbsp;These leagues have the best teams, the best leagues, and the best coaches. &nbsp;Players dream of playing in these leagues because they are the best, and if you want to prove yourself you need to go against the best.</p>
<p>The best also have the money. &nbsp;Manchester United’s sponsorship deals are a dream to MLS teams – they would likely be thrilled with the amount the Reds get for their jersey sponsorship alone. &nbsp;The best money means better wages and MLS simply cannot compete financially. &nbsp;Initially this may not be the case – the league could possibly match what Geoff Cameron is making in his current contract. &nbsp;But if Cameron plays well, the next one would be well beyond their means. &nbsp;Based on his name recognition, the league simply cannot spend the kind of money required to keep players from jumping overseas, especially if it means overpaying them.</p>
<p>All this said, being a feeder league is not a bad place to be. &nbsp;Since 98% of soccer leagues worldwide are in the same position, MLS is in no way unique. &nbsp;This is especially true since the league has only been in existence for less than 20 years; AS Roma wasn’t built in a day. &nbsp;MLS is growing into a league that has garnered some international attention and as the quality of players grow so will the quality of the league. &nbsp;It will likely be a while until it can aspire to reach the level of the EPL, but we do not necessarily need to be the best right now.</p>
<p>So if MLS is a feeder league, what should be the league’s strategy for growth? &nbsp;To become a North American power. &nbsp;Currently Liga MX and maybe Costa Rica’s top flight league are king of the continent, but MLS has some major advantages. &nbsp;The draw of playing in the U.S. while still being able to retain cultural ties helps players from Latin America feel comfortable coming to the U.S. &nbsp;As MLS draws the best players from the Latin American leagues – but especially Central America and eventually Mexico – its standing will grow. &nbsp;Already we are seeing CONCACAF teams full of MLS players. &nbsp;To help this trend MLS teams will need to begin winning the CONCACAF Champions League and competing in the Club World Cup, a very attainable goal.</p>
<p>In the future, MLS will continue to be a feeder league. &nbsp;And that’s ok. &nbsp;As long as it continues to grow in North America and recognize the limits and growth potential, MLS will be successful in the global soccer community.</p>


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