https://www.scmp.com/rss/324949/feed Ligue 1 is the top professional soccer league in French football. Ligue 1 is contested by 20 clubs and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Ligue 2. Seasons run from August to May. Ligue 1 is one of the top national leagues, currently ranked fifth in Europe behind Spain's Primera Liga, England's Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A. AS Saint-Etienne is the most successful club with ten league titles. The current champions are AS Monaco FC, who won their... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paris has everything: stunning architecture and arguably the best food and fashion in the world. But the French capital lacks one essential element of a modern metropolis – it has no football rivalry. Despite Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) spending vast sums in recent years assembling a team featuring superstars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and the club reaching this season’s Champions League semi-finals, the city has never truly been a football crucible. Yet the Paris... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307476/paris-saint-germain-may-soon-have-genuine-city-rival-thanks-europes-richest-family?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307476/paris-saint-germain-may-soon-have-genuine-city-rival-thanks-europes-richest-family?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:00:10 +0000 It’s no secret that successful sports stars are some of the industry’s wealthiest personalities. From NBA players such as Stephen Curry and NHL greats like Wayne Gretzky, to Formula One drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and boxers like Floyd Mayweather, famous athletes have made bank with big pay cheques and even bigger endorsement deals. But, as it turns out, the real wealth in sport lies with the teams’ billionaire owners. After all, you’ve got to have some serious cash to be able to buy out or... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3291663/7-richest-sports-team-owners-net-worths-ranked-mets-steve-cohen-and-ex-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3291663/7-richest-sports-team-owners-net-worths-ranked-mets-steve-cohen-and-ex-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:00:11 +0000 Tottenham Hotspur and their supporters were in the unenviable position of knowing victory over Manchester City would almost certainly hand arch-rivals Arsenal a first Premier League title in 20 years. It prompted fans to call on their side to lose, despite needing to win to keep alive their own hopes of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League. They promptly lost 2-0, a result that ensured the destiny of the Premier League title was out of Arsenal’s hands as the race headed for the final... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262774/spurs-supporters-hoping-lose-man-city-deny-arsenal-fans-liverpool-man-united-others-have-had?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262774/spurs-supporters-hoping-lose-man-city-deny-arsenal-fans-liverpool-man-united-others-have-had?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2024 08:26:21 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-in is aiming to become just the second Asian man to win a Uefa Champions League medal as the South Korea forward prepares for a semi-final against Borussia Dortmund. The newly crowned French champions are heavy favourites to reach the showpiece at Wembley next month at the expense of the German side, which is languishing in fifth place in the Bundesliga. But unlike their opponents, PSG have never won the competition – though they have reached one final, back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261065/psgs-lee-kang-aims-become-only-second-asian-uefa-champions-league-winner-could-meet-fellow-south?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261065/psgs-lee-kang-aims-become-only-second-asian-uefa-champions-league-winner-could-meet-fellow-south?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 May 2024 10:30:11 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi and three other players have tested positive for Covid-19, the French Ligue 1 club said on Sunday. Argentina international Messi joined PSG from boyhood club Barcelona in August and the 34-year-old has scored six goals in 16 games in all competitions for the Parisian side. Defender Juan Bernat, backup goalkeeper Sergio Rico and midfielder Nathan Bitumazala were the other players who returned positive tests. PSG said in a statement that the four players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3161867/lionel-messi-tests-postive-covid-19-along-three-other-paris-saint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3161867/lionel-messi-tests-postive-covid-19-along-three-other-paris-saint?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jan 2022 12:32:50 +0000 French Ligue 1 giants Lyon and Monaco have agreed to play a domestic league match in China next year, according to reports. The plan, which would require approval from Fifa, would see Monaco’s home match against Lyon next February moved to Shanghai, French daily newspaper L’Equipe reported. France’s top-flight, organised by the LFP, has long courted the Chinese market but is struggling financially after rights disagreements with French broadcaster Canal Plus, Qatari-owned broadcaster BeIN Sports... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3153314/lyon-and-monaco-agree-play-french-ligue-1-game-china-says-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3153314/lyon-and-monaco-agree-play-french-ligue-1-game-china-says-report?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:49:57 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United has also seen him return to the No 1 spot on the Forbes list of football’s highest earners ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi, with wages increasing for top players despite the financial impact of Covid-19. The Portuguese forward, who has recently become the top scorer in men’s international football, will earn a reported US$125 million this year – US$70 million from the Old Trafford side and US$50 million from his commercial... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3149651/cristiano-ronaldo-beats-lionel-messi-footballs-rich-list-andres?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3149651/cristiano-ronaldo-beats-lionel-messi-footballs-rich-list-andres?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Sep 2021 05:37:14 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to substitute forward Lionel Messi in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the French Ligue 1 and said the Argentine was OK with being taken off. Messi, making his third appearance for the side, hit the woodwork but failed to score on his Parc des Princes debut and was substituted in the 75th minute with the score at 1-1. The 34-year-old former Barcelona player looked puzzled when he was replaced with full-back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3149391/decisions-good-team-says-psg-boss-mauricio-pochettino-after-lionel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3149391/decisions-good-team-says-psg-boss-mauricio-pochettino-after-lionel?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:40:57 +0000 Nike said on Thursday that it parted ways with Neymar last year after the superstar Brazil attacker “refused to cooperate in a good faith” as the company investigated an employee’s claim that he sexually assaulted her. The apparel giant said in a statement that its investigation into the alleged 2016 incident – which was reported to the company in 2018 – was inconclusive. But even so “Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3135147/nike-says-it-dropped-neymar-over-refusal-cooperate-sex-assault-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3135147/nike-says-it-dropped-neymar-over-refusal-cooperate-sex-assault-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 May 2021 02:50:26 +0000 Neymar insisted he had been the victim of racism as he was one of five players sent off in a mass brawl at the end of Marseille’s 1-0 win over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. PSG’s Brazilian star appeared to accuse Alvaro Gonzalez of calling him a “monkey” in a series of furious tweets after he was sent off in injury time for slapping the Marseille defender on the back of the head. “Look at the racism. That’s why I hit him,” Neymar, who was returning from coronavirus quarantine,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3101429/furious-neymar-alleges-racism-five-sent-paris-saint-germain-storm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3101429/furious-neymar-alleges-racism-five-sent-paris-saint-germain-storm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:38:26 +0000 Nike said on Saturday it had parted ways with Neymar, ending one of its most high-profile sponsorship deals a decade and a half after signing the star striker as a 13-year-old prodigy. “I can confirm Neymar is no longer a Nike athlete,” a spokesman for the US sportswear giant, Josh Benedek said without giving further details. Media reports said the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil talisman was in talks with Nike’s German rivals Puma. Brazilian news site UOL said Neymar and Nike had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3099430/neymar-and-long-time-sponsor-nike-part-ways-puma-touted-step?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3099430/neymar-and-long-time-sponsor-nike-part-ways-puma-touted-step?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Aug 2020 04:18:34 +0000 After years of failing to live up to their billing in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain are within 90 minutes of the Champions League final thanks to their dramatic win over Atalanta on Wednesday, and coach Thomas Tuchel now knows “everything is possible” for his team. PSG were on the verge of another disappointing Champions League exit as they trailed Atalanta 1-0 into the 90th minute in Lisbon, where all the latter stages are being played after the long coronavirus shutdown. But Mario Pasalic’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3097174/psg-break-through-champions-league-glass-ceiling-after-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3097174/psg-break-through-champions-league-glass-ceiling-after-years?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:19:35 +0000 Rumours of a giant bet on Wigan Athletic’s relegation placed in the Philippines as a reason for the club’s plummet into administration put football’s relationship with Asian gambling markets back in the headlines last month, but a new report warns of a different danger. Asia-facing gambling companies are a potential threat to the integrity of European football, according to a new report by the Global Lottery Management System (GLMS). The transnational alliance of lotteries against sporting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3095259/asian-facing-betting-sponsors-putting-european-football-risk-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3095259/asian-facing-betting-sponsors-putting-european-football-risk-report?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jul 2020 02:00:26 +0000 “I ask you, can you get any more Belizean than that?” That’s the punchline to a sketch on BBC Radio 4 comedy John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme, where two football commentators describe the action from a penalty shoot-out defining each participant by their nationalities. Northern Europeans are all clinical efficiency – “standing still now with all the clinical efficiency of a particularly efficient clinic” – while Italians and South Americans are flamboyant and passionate – “not quite as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3091229/pfa-study-finds-racial-bias-football-commentary-time-kick-it-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3091229/pfa-study-finds-racial-bias-football-commentary-time-kick-it-out?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:00:18 +0000 Football leagues across Europe have been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 130,000 lives throughout the continent. Lockdown restrictions are in effect worldwide although some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders. English Premier League chiefs are targeting a return in June and several clubs have reopened their training grounds this week as they work on “Project Restart”. The English top flight is understood to be aiming to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3082245/english-premier-league-la-liga-and-bundesliga-european-football-eyes-end?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3082245/english-premier-league-la-liga-and-bundesliga-european-football-eyes-end?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2020 02:42:23 +0000 When is sport coming back? That has been the question on a lot of lips over the last few weeks. Sooner rather than later it would seem. The answer, at least for the German Bundelsiga and South Korea’s K-League is inside the next two weeks. Other leagues across the sporting world from the NBA and NHL to the Chinese Basketball Association and Chinese Super League are plotting their comebacks too. Italy’s Series A will start with opening club training grounds for individual sessions from May 4 and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3081733/sport-set-end-coronavirus-suspension-should-we-be-rushing-it-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3081733/sport-set-end-coronavirus-suspension-should-we-be-rushing-it-back?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:00:17 +0000 Football fans have long memories and that is no different on the mainland. For the China national team, the “May 19 Incident” still looms large, when lowly Hong Kong beat “Big Brother” in their own backyard. The visitors’ shock 2-1 win on that day in 1985 stopped China from making it to the Mexico ’86 Fifa World Cup. Fast forward almost 20 years and another loss in the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing lives on in football’s collective memory. In the final of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup on August 7, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3076265/let-liverpool-become-premier-league-champions-china-while?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3076265/let-liverpool-become-premier-league-champions-china-while?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2020 07:54:25 +0000 French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain will refuse to allow star strikers Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to play in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics football tournament this summer, according to a report in L’Equipe. World Cup winner Mbappe was named in Sylvain Ripoll’s provisional 80-man France squad on Tuesday, but the French football newspaper reported that PSG had written to the French Football Federation of their intention to not release the 21-year-old. Clubs are under no obligation to release... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3064975/tokyo-2020-psg-deny-mbappe-and-neymar-olympic-call-ups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3064975/tokyo-2020-psg-deny-mbappe-and-neymar-olympic-call-ups?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:42:39 +0000 Brazilian star Neymar said his injury-hit 2019 was “full of learnings” as he looks forward to making a strong comeback this year by targeting domestic, European and Copa America honours. The Paris Saint-Germain striker suffered two major injuries last year that limited his appearances for club and country but has been in fine form this season, scoring 13 goals in 15 appearances – 11 in the French Ligue 1, one in the Cup and one in the Uefa Champions League. “Professionally and personally, 2019... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3046575/brazil-star-neymar-wants-win-everything-2020-after-injury-hit-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3046575/brazil-star-neymar-wants-win-everything-2020-after-injury-hit-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:57:24 +0000 Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo and the English Premier League were the big winners in the annual Red Card Report on the success of football in penetrating the Chinese digital market. The report, released in Shanghai on Thursday, also saw Chelsea become the Premier League’s most successful team in China, leapfrogging champions Manchester City and former favourites Manchester United. There was good news for United as they remain the most-followed international team on Weibo. Their former player,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3046234/cristiano-ronaldo-barcelona-and-premier-league-winning-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3046234/cristiano-ronaldo-barcelona-and-premier-league-winning-china?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:00:11 +0000 With the European football season almost over it is the ideal time to review the fortunes of the clubs with Chinese investment. Focus elsewhere might be on the looming finals of the Uefa Champions League and Europa League but there is only big game left for Chinese-owned clubs. Aston Villa take on Derby County in the English Championship play-offs final with the prize of a place in the English Premier League and £170 million (US$216 million). Winning the richest game in football would be an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3011924/aston-villa-brink-premier-league-how-else-did-chinese-owned-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3011924/aston-villa-brink-premier-league-how-else-did-chinese-owned-football?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 May 2019 04:29:38 +0000 “We always hope the race for the title continues right up until the final day,” said Richard Masters, interim chief executive of the English Premier League ahead of last week’s final game, “and Liverpool and Manchester City have delivered on that – in some style”. That final day of the season, which could have seen Manchester City or Liverpool crowned champions and for 83 seconds seemed to have the title on the way to Anfield, was watched by millions worldwide. In the US, broadcaster NBC and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3010826/english-premier-league-manchester-city-and-liverpools-new-bar-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3010826/english-premier-league-manchester-city-and-liverpools-new-bar-going?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 May 2019 06:41:53 +0000 Spanish champions Barcelona will not play in China this summer, according to reports. The La Liga side had announced last year that they would return to the mainland as part of this summer’s Asia Tour but sporting director Eric Abidal has said this is no longer the case as per ESPN reports cited elsewhere. Ernesto Valverde’s side were set to visit both Japan and China but that has become a two-game trip to Japan. While Barcelona have confirmed they will play Vissel Kobe and Chelsea in July,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3010347/barcelona-shun-china-manchester-united-might-miss-spurs-shanghai-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3010347/barcelona-shun-china-manchester-united-might-miss-spurs-shanghai-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2019 09:59:05 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar was banned for three matches on Friday with a further two-match ban suspended for lashing out at a fan following the club’s shock defeat in the French Cup final. Announcing the ban, the French football federation said the sanction would go into effect from May 13 allowing the Brazilian superstar to appear for the French champions against Angers in Ligue 1 on Saturday. But he will miss the last two games of the domestic season and the French Champions Trophy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3009822/neymar-miss-psgs-champions-trophy-clash-china-after-three-match-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3009822/neymar-miss-psgs-champions-trophy-clash-china-after-three-match-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 May 2019 03:37:55 +0000 French champions Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the venues and opposition for their three-stop China tour this summer. The Parisians became the latest European football club to head to Asia this summer after many chose to stay away last year because of the World Cup in Russia. The details were confirmed at a press conference in Shenzhen for both the annual Trophee des Champions and this summer’s tour. Thomas Tuchel’s side’s pre-season plans in China will include three matches as they look to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3009132/psg-china-tour-inter-milan-macau-wu-leis-espanyol-suzhou-and-ligue-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3009132/psg-china-tour-inter-milan-macau-wu-leis-espanyol-suzhou-and-ligue-1?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2019 04:05:49 +0000 Reeling away as he scored a sublime chipped goal in the French Cup final on Saturday, of course Neymar’s celebration was all about him. No thanks were given for the brilliant slide through ball assist from Angel Di Maria. But it was understandable, given the Brazilian had spent three months on the sidelines and missed Paris Saint-Germain’s ignominious Champions League exit to Manchester United. It was after the second leg in Paris in March, and Marcus Rashford’s injury-time penalty –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3008244/neymar-punching-fan-shows-his-selfish-side-again-psg-could-lose-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3008244/neymar-punching-fan-shows-his-selfish-side-again-psg-could-lose-him?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2019 05:08:46 +0000 The French city of Nantes paid an emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Wednesday, the same day that seat cushions recovered from the sea were linked to his plane. Before their Ligue 1 match with Saint-Etienne, the first since their former striker’s plane disappeared over the Channel last week, Nantes unveiled a large photo of Sala in the centre-circle and the Argentine’s former teammates donned T-shirts with “We love you Emi” written on the back. The 28-year-old had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2184395/nantes-pays-tribute-soccer-player-emiliano-sala-investigators-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2184395/nantes-pays-tribute-soccer-player-emiliano-sala-investigators-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jan 2019 21:30:00 +0000 Nineteen games into the season and Manchester City have only lost once – at home to Olympique Lyonnais in their opening Champions League match in front of a largely derided 40,111 crowd, City’s lowest of the season. The French side led 2-0 at half-time, with former Manchester United players Rafael Pereira da Silva and Memphis Depay among their best players on the night. “A great night – one for all Manchester United fans to enjoy too,” Rafael said. “I’m still a United boy and some of my old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2173979/lyons-rafael-still-red-and-relishing-prospect-champions-league-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2173979/lyons-rafael-still-red-and-relishing-prospect-champions-league-double?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Nov 2018 09:34:48 +0000 Saturday brought mixed fortunes for Anthony Martial, 22, Kylian Mbappe, 19 and Ousmane Dembele 21, three magnificent, speedy, young French wingers born and raised in Paris or its hinterland, whose combined last transfer fees totalled €400 million (HK$3.6 billion). Martial, from Les Ulis, a tough banlieue of 22,000 which also gave the world Thierry Henry and Patrice Evra, scored twice for Manchester United at Chelsea. Banlieues can have negative connotations – these large working-class, non–white... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2169685/anthony-martial-kylian-mbappe-and-ousmane-dembele-prove-paris-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2169685/anthony-martial-kylian-mbappe-and-ousmane-dembele-prove-paris-most?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Oct 2018 09:50:16 +0000 October 1, 2017 was a significant day in Catalan history when an unofficial independence referendum was held in the region. FC Barcelona were due to play Las Palmas that afternoon but as images of police aggression dominated global headlines, rumours circulated about whether the game would go ahead. Finally, it was announced that it would be played behind closed doors. Outside Camp Nou as the crowds streamed away, Melbourne-born mother Lisa Schnepf waved her match tickets in the air, and shouted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2167506/neymar-and-paris-saint-germain-make-young-fans-dream-come-true-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2167506/neymar-and-paris-saint-germain-make-young-fans-dream-come-true-after?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Oct 2018 01:00:53 +0000 Gus Poyet spent the international break at his family home in London, helping unpack the contents of the home which he’d moved to Bordeaux only two months previously. “No, my wife is not happy if that’s what you’re going to ask,” says the former Chelsea player. “She has suffered more than anyone as I’ve travelled around the world in recent years.” Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho chose to keep his family in London after his kids spent their childhood following him around, thinking it would... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2164572/highs-and-lows-travelling-football-manager-peripatetic-poyet-coaching?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2164572/highs-and-lows-travelling-football-manager-peripatetic-poyet-coaching?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:13:15 +0000 Brazil’s World Cup flop Neymar put the ridicule he received at Russia 2018 this summer behind him with a goal in PSG’s 4-2 win over Nimes in France’s Ligue 1 on Saturday. Neymar celebrated with a crying motion in front of the home fans, focusing his pre-planned routine and the media cameras, on a banner that referred to him as a “crybaby”. Neymar scores for PSG at Nimes… …and runs straight over to the ‘Neymar is a cry baby’ banner pic.twitter.com/iNFvFNBkFi — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) 1 September... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2162394/world-cup-crybaby-neymar-mocks-home-fans-after-scoring-paris-saint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/2162394/world-cup-crybaby-neymar-mocks-home-fans-after-scoring-paris-saint?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Sep 2018 04:16:10 +0000 Brazilian superstar Neymar made his first club appearance since February as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Monaco 4-0 in the French Champions Trophy in China on Saturday. Angel Di Maria’s double fired PSG to their first silverware under new coach Thomas Tuchel as Neymar, long sidelined by a foot injury, came on as a late substitute. Di Maria’s thunderous free-kick opened the scoring on 33 minutes in searing heat and he grabbed PSG’s fourth in injury time following strikes from youngsters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2158314/paris-saint-germain-thrash-monaco-china-neymar-shines-return-french?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2158314/paris-saint-germain-thrash-monaco-china-neymar-shines-return-french?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Aug 2018 03:04:34 +0000 Ridiculed for fakery at the recent soccer World Cup, Neymar bounced back at cards this week with the aid of some well-timed bluffs, finishing an impressive sixth place in the 288-strong field of a Brazilian Series of Poker event. Neymar, who was in the Brazil side that lost 2-1 to Belgium in the quarter-finals of the World Cup earlier this month, turned his R$7,000 (US$1,877) entry stake into R$79,440 (US$21,308) before being eliminated in the final of the high roller event, organisers... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2157116/neymar-shows-poker-skills-bluffs-aplenty-after-world-cup-brazilian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2157116/neymar-shows-poker-skills-bluffs-aplenty-after-world-cup-brazilian?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jul 2018 05:23:39 +0000 Barcelona have snatched Malcom from under Roma’s noses, swooping in to sign the Brazilian forward for an initial €41 million (US$47.89 million) after the Italian club had already agreed a deal with Roma. The Serie A side are considering legal action having already announced on Monday they would be signing the 21-year-old, subject to a medical and personal terms. But Malcom changed his mind after late interest from Spanish champions, who had reportedly seen their bid to sign Willian from Premier... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2156788/barcelona-transfer-news-malcom-signs-eu41-million-fee-roma-consider?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2156788/barcelona-transfer-news-malcom-signs-eu41-million-fee-roma-consider?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jul 2018 07:36:56 +0000 Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric urged Neymar to join him at the Champions League winners after swapping shirts with the forward following Sunday’s international friendly between Brazil and Croatia. Paris St-Germain’s Neymar shone on his first appearance after a lengthy injury lay-off by breaking the deadlock in his side’s 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield, skipping past two defenders before smashing in off the underside of the bar. Neymar, who joined PSG in a record €222-million (US$259... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2149093/were-waiting-you-real-madrids-luka-modric-tells-neymar-ahead-potential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2149093/were-waiting-you-real-madrids-luka-modric-tells-neymar-ahead-potential?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jun 2018 03:18:20 +0000 Spain’s Mediapro, a Chinese-owned group, beat Vivendi’s Canal Plus in a crucial soccer broadcasting auction in France on Tuesday, claiming the rights to cover Ligue 1, France’s top football league, as prices boomed by close to 60 per cent. The setback in the rights for Canal Plus’ current difficulties to grow in its native France, where it has historically built a reputation of broadcasting major soccer matches. Contrasting fortunes for Chinese-owned soccer clubs this season It also confirms the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/2148372/chinese-owned-mediapro-wins-french-ligue-1-broadcasting-rights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/2148372/chinese-owned-mediapro-wins-french-ligue-1-broadcasting-rights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 May 2018 20:52:22 +0000 While the Chinese Super League is merely on pause for World Cup 2018, most leagues have blown their final whistle on their 2018 seasons. It was an exciting climax for the Chinese-owned Milan clubs in Italy; Inter made the Champions League at the death as AC Milan were forced to settle for a place at Europe’s children’s table. While Parma made their long-awaited return to Italy’s top league. Three Chinese-owned clubs were consigned to the drop in England, while a couple escaped by the skin of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2147103/end-term-report-shows-contrasting-fortunes-chinese-owned-soccer-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2147103/end-term-report-shows-contrasting-fortunes-chinese-owned-soccer-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 May 2018 00:02:18 +0000 The French referee who kicked out at a player during a Ligue 1 game was handed a three-month ban by disciplinary chiefs with a further three months suspended. Tony Chapron, 45, kicked Diego Carlos of Nantes towards the end of the match against Paris Saint-Germain on January 14 after being knocked over when the pair collided. Chapron sent the player off before apologising the next day, saying Carlos had bumped into him but that his own reaction had been “clumsy” and “inappropriate”. The French... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2131807/french-referee-who-kicked-player-banned-three-months?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2131807/french-referee-who-kicked-player-banned-three-months?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Feb 2018 13:55:50 +0000 South China Morning Post rounds up some of the most notable deals to have happened in Europe as the January window slammed shut on Wednesday: English Premier League - Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao/ESP to Manchester City – £57 million (HK$633 million, US$80.9 million) - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund/GER to Arsenal – £56 million - Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal to Manchester United – swap deal - Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Manchester United to Arsenal – swap deal - Cenk Tosun... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2131512/transfer-window-slams-shut-across-europe-round-biggest-january-deals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2131512/transfer-window-slams-shut-across-europe-round-biggest-january-deals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Feb 2018 03:56:40 +0000 Despite not touring China in the summer, Manchester United are still the most popular team in the country, according to the Red Card 2018 China Digital Football Awards. Shanghai-based agency Mailman’s annual report, now in its seventh year, also announced the most popular Europe-based player and league across Chinese social media alongside five new awards. The English Premier League side retained their title as the most popular club for the second year in a row, once again the most followed club... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2131383/manchester-united-and-leo-messi-are-most-popular-germany-leads-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2131383/manchester-united-and-leo-messi-are-most-popular-germany-leads-way?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jan 2018 09:01:00 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain have made their first signing of the January transfer window by hiring midfielder Lassana Diarra on a short-term deal until June 2019. The 32-year-old holding midfielder will once again try to revive his career in the French league after a successful stint at PSG’s bitter rivals, Marseille, that ended last year. The much-travelled Diarra, who was born in Paris, then played for a few months with United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira. “I am very happy to have signed for my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2130303/lassana-diarra-joins-psg-free-transfer-uefa-continues-scrutinise-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2130303/lassana-diarra-joins-psg-free-transfer-uefa-continues-scrutinise-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jan 2018 03:56:28 +0000 Neymar’s world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona was a step backwards in his career, according to ex-Brazil star Ronaldo. “He’s at PSG now, but sports-wise, this decision he’s taken is a step backwards,” the 2002 World Player of the Year said in an interview with former international Zico’s YouTube channel. “He was at Barcelona and he left for PSG. I played at Barca, but I left for Inter Milan when the Italian league was a lot more competitive.” Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2128105/neymar-leaving-barcelona-psg-was-step-backwards-his-career-says-ronaldo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2128105/neymar-leaving-barcelona-psg-was-step-backwards-his-career-says-ronaldo?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jan 2018 04:57:33 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain are hoping Neymar will return from Brazil this week after he travelled home for personal reasons, coach Unai Emery said. “We gave him permission to make this journey. I hope he will come back in three or four days’ time,” Emery said. The coach said Neymar approached him as the PSG squad was preparing for Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Lille. “He told me he had a family matter and that if the club and I gave him the chance to go to Brazil to take care of this problem, it was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2123909/psg-hope-neymar-will-return-brazil-trip-week-after-attending-personal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2123909/psg-hope-neymar-will-return-brazil-trip-week-after-attending-personal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Dec 2017 01:52:35 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has said Neymar needs to learn not to respond to provocation after the world’s most expensive player was sent off against Marseille last weekend. The €222 million (HK$2.048 billion) Brazilian picked up a second yellow card late in Sunday’s 2-2 draw between the bitter rivals at the Velodrome for reacting to a foul by Lucas Ocampos. Neymar got up and shoved Ocampos and the Argentine’s overreaction played its part in the ex-Barcelona man receiving his second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2117047/neymar-must-learn-sending-says-psg-boss-unai-emery-after-eighth-red?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2117047/neymar-must-learn-sending-says-psg-boss-unai-emery-after-eighth-red?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Oct 2017 03:22:27 +0000 Paris Saint Germain coach Unai Emery has called for Ligue 1 referees to better protect marquee players after Brazilian superstar Neymar was sent off in a 2-2 draw in their bitter grudge match with Marseille on Sunday. Neymar was not only constantly harried and niggled by a series of fouls in the game, but also pelted by Stade Velodrome fans with coins and even lighters whilst taking corners. The former Barcelona star eventually lost his cool and was sent off for two yellow cards late on, both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2116541/red-card-neymar-deserves-protection-says-paris-saint-germain-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2116541/red-card-neymar-deserves-protection-says-paris-saint-germain-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Oct 2017 03:15:11 +0000 Kylian Mbappe’s much-anticipated move to Paris Saint-Germain finally went through on Thursday evening with Monaco loaning the 18-year-old forward to their Ligue 1 rivals until the end of the season along with an option to make the move permanent. No financial details were given by PSG in their statement on Thursday, but the permanent deal would be from 2018-22. Although no transfer fee has been given by either French club, it was widely reported that PSG will pay an astonishing €180 million... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2109253/kylian-mbappe-finally-moves-psg-partner-neymar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2109253/kylian-mbappe-finally-moves-psg-partner-neymar?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:47:35 +0000 Monaco’s teen sensation Kylian Mbappe is expected to complete a stunning move to Paris Saint-Germain when he flies into the French capital on Monday, according to widespread French media reports on Sunday. Radio stations France Info and RMC reported that PSG had agreed to pay €180 million (HK$1.68 billion) including bonuses for the 18-year-old French international striker. That would make him the second most expensive transfer in football history behind Neymar, who moved to Ligue 1 to join PSG... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2108543/monacos-kylian-mbappe-line-complete-stunning-eu180m-paris-saint-germain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2108543/monacos-kylian-mbappe-line-complete-stunning-eu180m-paris-saint-germain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:01:13 +0000 Barcelona are suing Neymar for the €€8.5 million (HK$77 million) bonus they paid the Brazil striker for signing a contract he later broke to join Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record transfer. Barcelona said on Tuesday that they wants Neymar to pay back the bonus for a contract in October 2016 that tied him to the club through 2021. The Spanish club also wants an additional 10 per cent interest. Neymar was able to leave Barcelona earlier this month after PSG paid €222 million to trigger a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2107876/barcelona-sues-brazilian-star-neymar-get-us10-million-signing-bonus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2107876/barcelona-sues-brazilian-star-neymar-get-us10-million-signing-bonus?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Aug 2017 16:25:46 +0000 Neymar wasted no time in making an impression on the field for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win at Guingamp and declaring he felt “more alive than ever”. The Brazilian world record signing was handed a start by coach Unai Emery for the game in Brittany, two days after international clearance came through for his €222 million (HK$2.05 billion) switch from Barcelona. The 25-year-old, at home in PSG’s all yellow change kit, played a part in the own goal scored by Jordan Ikoko... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2106682/neymar-pulls-strings-goal-and-assist-perfect-psg-debut-im-more-alive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2106682/neymar-pulls-strings-goal-and-assist-perfect-psg-debut-im-more-alive?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Aug 2017 04:13:51 +0000