Former Paris St-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has identified three players he believes deserve to win the Ballon d’Or.

Galtier, now in charge of Saudi Arabian club Neom, said the award should go to one of the Paris St-Germain players who helped the club secure a second consecutive Champions League title.

The 60-year-old French coach did not specify which of the three players he would choose, but said the winner should come from the PSG squad responsible for the club’s latest European triumph.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on 26 October.

Ethan Mbappe could be sidelined for about three weeks after suffering a right ankle injury while on international duty with France U21, according to L’Equipe.

The 19-year-old Lille forward was hurt in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Estonia following a tackle by an opposing player. He was unable to continue and was substituted in the 12th minute.

Mbappe is expected to miss Lille’s Ligue 1 fixtures against Le Havre on 10 October and Brest the following week.

He has made six appearances for Lille this season, starting five of those matches. The forward has scored one goal and provided one assist.

Mbappe would have been unavailable for Lille’s next Champions League matches against Arsenal and Galatasaray regardless of the injury. He is serving a three-match suspension imposed after he was sent off in the game against Betis.

Matvey Safonov says Cristiano Ronaldo has always been closer to him than Lionel Messi, and that he supported the Portugal forward throughout the rivalry between football’s two leading stars.

The Russian national team goalkeeper also acknowledged that Messi performed at the highest level at the most recent World Cup, unlike Ronaldo.

Messi is due to play his farewell match for Argentina on 6 October against Benin. Ronaldo has left the Portugal squad following a conflict with the team’s head coach, Jorge Jesus.

Joseph-Antoine Bell, regarded as the best African goalkeeper of the 20th century, has questioned Matvey Safonov’s chances of winning the France Football award for the best goalkeeper of the year.

“I think he will not win the title of goalkeeper of the year,” Bell told the online publication Euro-Football.Ru in an exclusive comment.

The Yashin Trophy will be presented in London on 26 October 2026. Ten goalkeepers have been included on the shortlist for the award, with Safonov among the contenders.

The other nominees are Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois, Joan Garcia, Gregor Kobel, Emiliano Martinez, Edouard Mendy, David Raya, Unai Simon and Vozinha.

The Russian Constitutional Court will consider an appeal from Paris Saint-Germain and Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov on 8 October, according to information published on the court’s website.

Safonov has asked the court to rule on whether the legislation governing alimony complies with federal law. He argues that, for financially secure parents, payments to a former spouse should be calculated according to the child’s actual needs rather than the parent’s income.

Safonov has already paid his former wife more than 60 million roubles.

Paris Saint-Germain and Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has named team-mate Ousmane Dembele as the best footballer he has played alongside.

Safonov praised the France forward’s technical ability, saying it enables Dembele to produce things on the pitch that other players do not even consider.

Dembele was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2025, receiving the prize for the best player of the previous season.

Safonov joined Paris Saint-Germain from Krasnodar in the summer of 2024.

Lille midfielder Ethan Mbappe could be sidelined for three weeks after injuring his right ankle while on international duty with France Under-21s.

The 19-year-old was withdrawn after 12 minutes of France’s 2-0 win over Estonia on Tuesday, following a challenge from an opposing player, according to L’Equipe.

France Under-21 coach Gerald Baticle said after the match that he was concerned about the extent of Mbappe’s injury.

If the projected recovery period is confirmed, Mbappe will miss Lille’s Ligue 1 meetings with Le Havre on October 10 and Stade Brestois 29 the following week.

Mbappe has featured six times for Lille this season, making five starts. He has scored one goal and provided one assist.

The midfielder is already facing a separate three-match suspension in the Champions League after being sent off against Real Betis. As a result, he would have missed Lille’s high-profile fixtures against Arsenal and Galatasaray even without the ankle problem.

Javier Pastore says Paris Saint-Germain’s rise to the top of European football was the result of a project mapped out from the moment he became the club’s first marquee signing in 2011.

The former Argentina and PSG playmaker joined the French club at the start of its modern era, before the arrivals of Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi and a succession of global stars.

“From the start, you could see the ambition of the board, the president and the Qatari group,” Pastore told Flashscore. “They wanted to build a club capable of winning the Champions League, with a world-class training centre, a redeveloped stadium and a squad to compete at the highest level.”

Pastore, 36, said PSG’s development had extended beyond the pitch, with the club’s infrastructure and training facilities growing alongside its teams.

“Over the last 15 years, the club has grown exponentially and now sits at the top table alongside the biggest clubs in Europe and world football,” he said.

During his time in Paris, PSG repeatedly fell in the Champions League quarter-finals. Pastore believes injuries, narrow margins and stronger opponents prevented them from going further, although he feels the foundations for the club’s later success were already in place.

He highlighted a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in which PSG played almost the entire match with 10 men, as his proudest moment with the club.

“It was an incredible emotional high to show that character and advance against a top side,” he said.

Pastore also credited his early years at Palermo with preparing him for European football. He moved there aged 19 and described the city, supporters and dressing room as central to his development.

He praised manager Delio Rossi, former president Maurizio Zamparini and sporting director Walter Sabatini, whom he described as a confidant, father figure, uncle and director of football.

“Those two years in Palermo were magnificent, both on the pitch and in life,” Pastore said.

The elegant number 10 later played for Roma, but a hip injury restricted his impact and eventually contributed to his retirement several years later. He remains disappointed that he could not give the club and its supporters more.

“Roma is a club and a city that lives and breathes football,” he said. “My family and I loved living there, and the warmth of the people made it even harder not to repay that love fully on the pitch.”

Pastore believes the current Roma side has the squad depth, unity and managerial leadership to compete domestically and in Europe, while the packed Stadio Olimpico provides a powerful environment.

He also reflected on his years alongside Lionel Messi in the Argentina set-up. Pastore said Messi initially led through his performances before becoming increasingly vocal in the dressing room.

“He did not need to shout. We knew that when he stepped on to the pitch, he would win us matches,” Pastore said. “Away from football, he is quiet, relaxed and down to earth, and we have maintained a great friendship.”

Pastore described Messi’s legacy with the Argentina shirt as already immortal, placing him alongside Diego Maradona at the summit of Argentine football. He said generations of players would be motivated by following in the footsteps of Mario Kempes, Maradona and Messi.

The former player has now moved into football agency after studying for more than two years and completing FIFA and UEFA qualifications. His experience of different leagues, injuries, contracts and transfers has encouraged him to mentor younger players.

He looks beyond talent when assessing prospects, prioritising professionalism, character, work ethic and the desire to improve. Pastore says his role is to match players with the right club, league, tactical system and manager rather than simply pursue the biggest name or financial offer.

He cited his own move to Palermo as an example of taking an intermediate step before joining an elite club, warning that young players can lose vital development years by moving too quickly.

Pastore’s agency represents Enzo Fernandez, with whom he says he formed an immediate relationship after the midfielder had spoken to more than 10 agents following his departure from his previous representative.

At a three-hour lunch in Argentina, Fernandez told Pastore he wanted to work with him.

“He demands a lot, but he also wants a second opinion,” Pastore said. “I am very happy to work with him. He has taken an important step in his career, changed teams by going to Manchester City and is one of the most important players in the Argentina national team.”

Pastore says the central challenge for agents is finding the right environment for a player’s talent to develop without being rushed. That means examining the manager’s system, the club’s culture, competition for places and its long-term plan.

“Providing clarity, protection and sound strategic direction is the hardest and most rewarding part of the job,” he said.

AS Monaco have begun discussions with Vanderson over a new contract after the Brazilian defender made an impressive start to the 2026-27 season.

L’Equipe reports that the Ligue 1 club have contacted the 25-year-old’s representatives as they look to secure his long-term future. Monaco are also seeking to plan for the continued development of promising striker Paris Brunner.

Vanderson’s current agreement runs until 2028, but the club are keen to reward his improved performances and retain him beyond the terms of that deal.

The defender joined Monaco in 2022 and has experienced an inconsistent spell at the club, with recurring injuries affecting his progress.

His form was particularly uneven last season. Vanderson made 23 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign and recorded two assists.

He has made a strong return this term, however, starting all seven of Monaco’s matches across competitions. His run of appearances has prompted the club to open negotiations over an extension.

Aleksandr Golovin scored twice for the Russia national team against Iran in a BETBOOM friendly match in Kazan on Tuesday evening.

The double is only the second Golovin has managed in a period of almost three years. From October 2023 to 29 September 2026, the midfielder had previously scored two goals in the same match just once.

That came in 2025, when Golovin scored twice for Monaco in a 5-3 Ligue 1 victory over Nantes.

His two goals against Iran have taken his total to five goal involvements in the current season. Before the friendly, Golovin had recorded one goal and two assists for Monaco.

Russia, managed by Valeri Karpin, were holding a commanding lead midway through the second half. Live text coverage of the match between Russia and Iran is available on the portal.

AS Monaco have started discussions with Paris Brunner’s representatives over a contract extension after the striker’s impressive beginning to the Ligue 1 season.

The 20-year-old is already under contract with the club until 2028, but Monaco are keen to improve his terms and secure his long-term future, according to L’Equipe.

Brunner has made a strong impact since the campaign began, scoring six goals in seven appearances across all competitions. His form has established him as one of Monaco’s leading performers and has attracted interest from abroad.

Borussia Dortmund, Brunner’s former club, are among those monitoring his situation. The Bundesliga side retain a contractual option to match any offer Monaco receive for the striker.

That agreement does not, however, give Dortmund priority in negotiations or guarantee that Brunner would return to Germany.

If Dortmund decide to try to re-sign him, they would still have to agree a deal with Monaco and persuade Brunner that a return is what he wants.

Monaco’s contract talks are intended to recognise the forward’s early-season performances while protecting the club’s position as interest in him grows.

Former Brazil international Renato Augusto believes Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov deserves recognition among the leading goalkeepers in world football.

“Safonov deserves a place among the best goalkeepers in the world,” Augusto said.

The 26-year-old Russian is reportedly one of the candidates for the award recognising the best goalkeeper of the year.

Safonov joined the French club in the summer of 2024. Since moving to Paris Saint-Germain, he has made 52 appearances, conceding 51 goals.

He has kept 20 clean sheets during that period. His contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs until 2029.

Former Arsenal footballer Andrey Arshavin has commented on Olivier Giroud’s statement that the current season is likely to be the last of his career.

The 39-year-old striker spent much of his career with London club Arsenal. He also played for Chelsea, AC Milan and a number of other clubs.

Giroud currently represents French side Lille, with his contract running until the summer of next year.

Paris Saint-Germain have omitted Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from a social media post listing the club’s players involved in international matches during the current break.

The Ligue 1 club announced five fixtures featuring its players on Tuesday, but did not include the BETBOOM meeting between Russia and Iran, in which Safonov is expected to play.

The omission has prompted the impression that Paris Saint-Germain simply overlooked Safonov, a development likely to disappoint football supporters in Russia.

The BETBOOM match between Russia and Iran is scheduled to begin at 19:00 Moscow time. Live text coverage will be available on the LiveResult portal.

Olivier Giroud has admitted he is nearing the end of his playing career, saying the current season is “probably” his last.

The 39-year-old is now back in Ligue 1 with Lille, where he is competing for a place in the team just days before his 40th birthday.

Speaking to reporters this week, Giroud indicated that his time with the French club could become the final chapter of a career that has included success at the highest level of domestic and international football.

“This season is probably my last, and that's why I enjoy every moment,” he said.

“I am at peace with myself and with everything I have achieved in my career, and I feel more comfortable than ever.”

Giroud began his career in France’s lower divisions before establishing himself in Ligue 2. He moved to Montpellier and scored 21 Ligue 1 goals during the 2011-12 season, finishing as the division’s leading scorer.

Two years later, the striker joined Arsenal, where he spent six years as an important part of Arsene Wenger’s attack. During his time at the club, he won three FA Cups before moving across London to join Chelsea.

Giroud added the Europa League and Champions League to his list of honours with Chelsea, continuing a career that has also included Premier League success, a World Cup triumph and major achievements with France.

He later played for clubs including AC Milan and Los Angeles before returning to France with Lille.

The forward’s rise from the lower divisions to the top of European football has made him one of the most accomplished players of his generation. He became France’s all-time leading goalscorer and is also listed as the country’s second all-time top scorer.

Giroud has also won the Puskas Award, further recognition of a career that has taken him from domestic football in France to the Premier League, Champions League and World Cup.

As he considers retirement, his possible departure would bring an end to a career that has seen him represent Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, Los Angeles and Lille.

His contribution is expected to be remembered across the clubs he has played for as he approaches what could be his final season as a professional footballer.

Olivier Giroud has said the 2026-27 season is “most likely” to be his last as he approaches the end of his playing career.

The Lille striker made the comments in an interview ahead of his 40th birthday, which he will celebrate on Wednesday.

Giroud was once France’s leading goalscorer, having scored 57 times for his country. He has since been overtaken by Kylian Mbappe, who has 67 international goals.

In six appearances for Lille during the 2026-27 season, Giroud has scored once and provided two assists.

Aleksandr Golovin has commented on a proposal from Saudi Arabia as speculation continues over his future at Monaco.

The 30-year-old Russia national team midfielder has been with the Monaco first team since the summer of 2018. His current contract with the Ligue 1 club is due to expire at the end of June 2029.

Golovin’s market value is currently estimated at 18 million euros.

The midfielder has made five appearances in Ligue 1 this season and has provided two assists.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has refused to take responsibility for recommending a player from the Russia national team to the French club.

Asked which Russia international he might suggest to the Parisian side, Safonov said: “I will not take any responsibility.”

The 27-year-old has been with PSG since the summer of 2024. During his time at the club, he has won two Champions League titles in succession.

Safonov’s contract with PSG runs until the middle of 2029. His market value is currently estimated at 30 million euros.

Former Real Madrid star Marcelo is close to joining the leadership structure at Nantes as part of an ambitious plan to revive the struggling French club.

The Brazilian could take on the role of ambassador for Nantes, who are currently playing in the second tier of French football. His involvement would come as the club moves towards a potential change of ownership.

Paulo Tavares, a 62-year-old French-Portuguese businessman, is close to completing the purchase of Nantes. Tavares, head of Phoenix Sport Invest, has already submitted documents outlining his proposals for the club.

The plans have been seen by French newspaper L'Equipe.

Marcelo is part of Tavares' inner circle and could represent Nantes under the proposed new ownership structure.

Fabian Ruiz believes he has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or after a season in which he claimed the biggest team honours with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain.

The 30-year-old midfielder helped Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1 and the Champions League before lifting the World Cup with the Spain national team.

Despite that record of success, Ruiz is not regarded as one of the leading contenders for the individual award. Asked to assess his prospects, the Paris Saint-Germain player said: “I have a chance.”

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October.

Ruiz’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele won the award last year.