Kylian Mbappe would be taking on "a huge responsibility" if he becomes the new France captain, after Hugo Lloris retired from international football.

That is the verdict of Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier, who steered clear of either recommending the role to Mbappe or putting any pressure on national coach Didier Deschamps.

At the age of 24, Mbappe has already won 66 caps for Les Bleus, scoring 36 goals in the process.

He won the World Cup in 2018 and scored a hat-trick against Argentina in the 2022 final but painfully finished on the losing team.

PSG striker Mbappe appears an obvious candidate, but he may not aspire to the captaincy, which Lloris held for 10 years.

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is another strong contender for the role, according to reports in France, having served as vice-captain at the World Cup.

Galtier said on Tuesday: "I'm not the national team coach. I'm not going to get involved in the France captain discussion. Sometimes, the France captain is of a certain age with a certain number of caps.

"Kylian Mbappe has got many under his belt and many incredible performances. I haven't spoken to Kylian Mbappe about whether he will be the France captain or not.

"Of course, that is a huge responsibility. It is not me who will decide who the captain will be. Even without the armband, he is a leader."

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has been accused of misconduct by player agent Sonia Souid, who has joined mounting calls for him to stand down.

Souid claimed Le Graet's conduct towards her indicated he considered her as "two breasts and an ass", but she doubts he will give up office.

France's sports minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, has called for new leadership at the FFF, and French Amateur Football Association (AFFA) president Eric Thomas also says the time has come for Le Graet to go.

Souid's allegations against Le Graet concern a period from 2013 to 2017, when she claims the now 81-year-old took advantage of his power.

She told French broadcaster RMC of agreeing to meet with Le Graet at his home on one occasion.

"During this meeting, he told me clearly that if we were closer, my ideas would materialise," she said. "In any case, he would be much more motivated to help me in this meaning.

"And there in fact, I take a huge slap. Because I have my president of the French Football Federation who sees me... while I feel competent and legitimate because I have managed to do things even in difficulty, excuse me for the term, but my president sees me as two breasts and an ass in fact.

"I was disappointed by my president. For me, my president must be exemplary. And he was not."

She added: "I don't think he's brave enough to resign. Do I think he can stay at the helm of the FFF? Yes, he can. But should he? No. I honestly think he's had his time."

Stats Perform has asked the FFF for a response to the allegations made by Souid.

Le Graet apologised on Monday to being accused by Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane, following comments made once it was confirmed Didier Deschamps would be staying on as France head coach.

The FFF president had said he would not pick up the phone if former France playmaker and Ballon d'Or winner Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

Oudea-Castera said on Monday: "Our great players deserve better than what they have at the head of their federation."

AFFA president Thomas said the remarks about Zidane marked a tipping point. They came before the allegations from Souid.

Thomas said: "These comments towards Zinedine Zidane are inexcusable, inadmissible and irresponsible.

"A president of a federation should not say that. These speeches flout the values ​​of sport, that is why the AFFA demands the resignation of the president of the FFF.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has apologised after being accused by Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe was one of many to take aim at Le Graet over comments he made after it was confirmed Didier Deschamps is staying on as France head coach.

Le Graet said he did not care whether Zidane, who had been strongly tipped to succeed Deschamps, ended up taking on another job.

The 81-year-old also said he would not pick up the phone if former midfielder Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

Many called for Le Graet to apologise, with Mbappe posting on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Madrid issued a statement on Monday criticising the "unfortunate comments".

Los Blancos also referenced previous remarks made by Le Graet regarding striker Karim Benzema, who recently announced his retirement from international duty.

Madrid's condemnation was swiftly followed by Le Graet releasing a statement of his own in which he attempted a U-turn.

"These awkward remarks created a misunderstanding," said Le Graet, who has been FFF president since June 2011.

"I'd like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he's become."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in May 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles across two spells in charge.

As a player, Zidane earned 108 caps for France and helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later.

The 50-year-old has also been touted as a candidate to take over as head coach of Brazil, while the United States are reported to have made an approach.

Kylian Mbappe has accused Noel Le Graet of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane after the French Football Federation president's dismissive response to suggestions the former Real Madrid coach could join Brazil.

On Saturday, it was announced Didier Deschamps had signed a new four-year contract as France head coach, allowing him to lead Les Bleus at a fourth World Cup in 2026.

Former France talisman Zidane had been linked with his country's top job on several occasions, including in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat against Argentina last month.

However, with that position set to be occupied for the foreseeable future, Zidane has been suggested as a potential candidate to succeed Tite as Brazil's head coach.

Asked about speculation linking Zidane with the Selecao on Sunday, Le Graet told RMC he did not "give a toss" where the 1998 World Cup winner went and added he would not answer the phone to the former midfielder.

Those comments attracted criticism from star player Mbappe, who wrote on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga titles across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Erik ten Hag joked he may need to crowdsource funds from young Manchester United fans when asked if the club would sign Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

United are expected to bolster their ranks during the January transfer window, as they continue to cement their revival under Ten Hag.

Moves for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham and Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, however, are unlikely to be on the table.

That hasn't stopped supporters quizzing Ten Hag on a deal for either player, to which the manager joked he may need more than just the backing of the board to pursue any move.

"I want to," he told a group of young fans who asked him whether he could buy the pair. "Have you any pennies for me?"

United will not be needing to dip into the pockets of their fanbase to fulfil any moves this window, though quite who Ten Hag will bring through the door remains to be seen.

Jack Butland has been brought in on loan from Crystal Palace to replace Martin Dubravka, who has returned to Newcastle United, while United are also said to be interested in Wout Weghorst, the striker who is on loan at Besiktas from Burnley.

England midfielder Bellingham is widely tipped to depart Dortmund later this year, with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all said to be keen.

France attacker Mbappe only extended his stay with PSG ahead in May last year.

Neymar's training absence on Thursday was "scheduled" and he will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Coupe de France tie with Chateauroux, Christophe Galtier confirmed.

The forward suffered an ankle injury in Brazil's opening World Cup match, missing the final two group-stage games, though he returned to score in both of the Selecao's knockout ties as they crashed out in the quarter-finals to Croatia.

Neymar returned to PSG and featured in their first Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg, but he was given a second yellow card for a dive in the 62nd minute as a late Kylian Mbappe penalty snatched a 2-1 victory.

He was therefore suspended for PSG's 3-1 defeat to Lens on Sunday, their first loss of the season, and he was a notable absentee from training on Thursday.

Galtier insisted Neymar not training was planned and he also confirmed the 30-year-old will play no part against Chateauroux in the Coupe de France on Friday.

"As for Neymar's absence in training that had been scheduled, as it was for all of the players who went to the World Cup," PSG boss Galtier told reporters.

"They were assessed by our medical staff and performance team.

"We decided as a group that Neymar, with everything he has experienced with his ankle problem, that he needed time for his ankle to recover."

Asked whether Neymar was expected to miss the following game too, a Ligue 1 home meeting with Angers on Wednesday, Galtier replied: "Just tomorrow."

Neymar was visibly upset after Brazil's penalty defeat to Croatia, with his hopes of winning a World Cup now looking slim with the next tournament occurring when he will be 34.

However, Galtier is not concerned about the former Barcelona man, saying: "I'm not at all worried about Neymar.

"Based on what he has been doing since the start of the season, he is full of desire to play and he wanted to play in the league game but was suspended. He was very disappointed.

"We are lucky to have a very committed Neymar here, but we need to keep an eye on him physically."

After Brazil's shock exit in Qatar, Argentina and France went on to play what many are calling the best World Cup final ever, with PSG's Mbappe and Lionel Messi playing starring roles as La Albiceleste ultimately won on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.

Galtier hopes Messi receives a warm reception in Paris on his return having beaten France in the final, while saying Mbappe has not changed after winning the tournament's Golden Boot and scoring a hat-trick in the final.

"He [Messi] will not play tomorrow," Galtier explained. "Having discussed it with him, we want him to be ready for the following game.

"I hope he will be celebrated by our supporters. Leo Messi is a Paris national player and World Cup winner. We are lucky to have a player like Messi here.

"We also need to appreciate we have [Mbappe] at the club. Just like Messi, he had a brilliant World Cup.

"Kylian Mbappe quickly wanted to get back into competitive football after the World Cup. I feel he is a very intelligent guy who learns quickly, and he knows the general consensus around him has changed.

"He is a player with huge personality and character who is capable of managing that. We have Kylian Mbappe here on a daily basis and he is the same as before."

Jon Rahm wants the PGA and DP World tours to collaborate in making a decision on the inclusion of LIV Golf players at this year's Ryder Cup.

A number of high-profile players have left both tours for LIV Golf since the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's inception last year.

Henrik Stenson was stripped of the Europe captaincy in July after making the switch, with Ryder Cup veterans like Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood among those in danger of being ruled ineligible, while the United States have ruled out the selection of LIV players.

Speaking ahead of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Rahm said it would not be smart to have a situation at the Ryder Cup – which takes place in Rome in September – where one team calls up LIV Golf players and the other does not.

"Listen, there's some people that are going to have to make some tough choices," he said. "I hope the PGA of America and European Tour make a decision together. I don't think it would be smart to have one team allowing LIV players and one not to.

"And besides that, even if they decide not to on that side, I think it's going to give an opportunity for a lot of great young players to show up and have the chance in Europe, right? It's just going to be an opportunity for all of them. We saw a younger United States team last Ryder Cup and they did what they did [beating Europe 19-9 in 2021].

"I'm hoping these younger guys who have grown up watching the Ryder Cup and seeing their idols do what they do, let's say, it energises the team a little bit in any manner and we show up there to win."

Rahm also joked about the "chaos" around the LIV Golf breakaway, saying: "I've had two kids in 15 months, so compared to that, I don't know if what's happened around golf is as comparable."

He insists it has not changed his perception of his fellow professionals, though, adding: "I didn't feel a difference in any of the majors last year. If somebody has a problem with LIV players, they're just not going to deal with them and that's about it.

"In my mind, like I've said it before, I respect their choice and the ones I was friends with before I'm still going to be friends with, right? It doesn't change the way I'm going to operate with them."

Rahm, a big football fan, was also asked for his opinion on the recent World Cup final that saw Argentina and Lionel Messi beat France on penalties after an exciting 3-3 draw in Qatar, which also featured Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick for Les Bleus.

"That final was incredible," he said. "I think I took more inspiration from Mbappe. He put the team on his back and tied a final that they had no business tying, let's be honest.

"And Messi, I mean, I've been watching Messi play for so long that it's amazing that he can still surprise a lot of people. When the debate of greatest of all time is up in the air, he does what he did and carried Argentina to a World Cup final.

"It's not my business to decide who is the best or who is not because I never saw [Diego] Maradona play, but he's made a pretty good argument.

"I don't know if I'll see a final this good ever again in my lifetime. I hope I do, but I doubt it. The only way this could have been better if it was Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo facing off and they each had a hat trick and things like that. Kylian being the next closest thing, because he's clearly the future of this sport."

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier says the club will only make signings in January if players leave the Ligue 1 leaders.

PSG needed a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe to seal a nervy 2-1 win over Strasbourg in their first game after the World Cup on Wednesday.

That ensured they will end the year seven points clear at the Ligue 1 summit, and Galtier does not envisage the club dipping into the transfer market when the window opens on Sunday.

"I am very happy and very satisfied with the squad I have," he said ahead of his side's visit to Lens on New Year's Day.

"There will be no arrivals if there are no departures. There are no players who have asked to move. It means that the players are good here. 

"It's a long period, we have to see how things evolve. 

"A defender is not needed. We have El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who played against Strasbourg. He has enormous potential. We place a lot of hope in him. 

"Going for a defender would be blocking space for him. We want to promote our local talents."

Mbappe's last-gasp intervention against Strasbourg marked his swift return to domestic action following France's defeat in the World Cup final to Argentina on December 18.

Despite scoring a hat-trick for Didier Deschamps' side, Mbappe and his international team-mates came up short as Les Bleus were beaten on penalties in the showpiece game of Qatar 2022.

Speaking after the game against Strasbourg, the 24-year-old acknowledged the pain of France's loss in Doha will stay with him forever, but Galtier does not expect his disappointment to impact on his performances for PSG.

"If I understood his statement correctly, he said it will take time to digest the fact of not having lifted the World Cup for the second time. It's normal," he added. 

"But showing such a desire to win reflects his state of mind and his mentality as a very high level champion. 

"He was still this morning very dynamic, very happy. He is a player who is growing every day. How lucky we are to have a player like that."

Kylian Mbappe has led tributes to Pele from a plethora of football stars past and present following his death on Thursday, with the France forward saluting the late Brazil forward and a legacy that "will never be forgotten".

The three-time World Cup winner passed away aged 82 following a battle with colon cancer, sending the football and wider sporting world into mourning.

Pele, a 77-goal Selecao star who remains one of the game's all-time greats, was the only teenager to score in a World Cup final until Mbappe did so at Russia 2018 four years ago.

Now, the 23-year-old has paid his respects to the 'king of football', highlighting his achievements as having helped to define the sport.

"The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten," Mbappe wrote on Twitter.

Mbappe's PSG team-mate and Spain international Sergio Ramos also offered his tribute, adding: "To say he was a legend is an understatement. Football will always remember you."

Barcelona and Poland forward Robert Lewandowski said "heaven has a new star" in his post reflecting upon Pele's legacy, a sentiment shared by former Germany international Mesut Ozil.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland argued that "everything you see any player [do], Pele did it first", while Wales forward Gareth Bale suggested the Brazilian was "the reason so many of us love football".

Former England international and 1986 World Cup Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker called him "the most divine of footballers and joyous of men", adding that Pele has secured "footballing immortality".

Kylian Mbappe has shrugged off the taunts from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez following France's defeat in the World Cup final.

Martinez has come in for significant criticism for his actions following Argentina's shoot-out win over Les Bleus in Qatar, where he called for a minute's silence for Mbappe in dressing room celebrations.

The Aston Villa keeper was then was pictured with a doll with the Paris Saint-Germain star's face stuck on it during an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.

Mbappe was not fazed by Martinez's behaviour and offered a blunt verdict when a question was posed to him about the antics.

"Celebrations are not my problem. I don't waste energy in such trivial things," he told RMC Sport after PSG's Ligue 1 win against Strasbourg on Wednesday.

"The important thing for me is to give the best of myself for my club, and we will wait for Leo (Messi) to come back to continue scoring and winning games."

Mbappe also revealed he spoke to Messi following the end of the World Cup final and offered congratulations to his club team-mate.

"I spoke with him after the game, I congratulated him. It was the quest of a lifetime for him, for me too, but I failed, so you always have to remain a good player." he said.

Messi is set to return to club duty next week.

The power dynamic at Paris Saint-Germain is a curious watch, with Lionel Messi set to formalise an agreement to remain for another season.

Kylian Mbappe re-signed with the French champions in May until 2025 but has still been linked with moves away from the club.

Messi came out on top over Mbappe in the World Cup final earlier this month, and Barcelona believe an opportunity might arise. 

TOP STORY – BARCELONA SET TO SWOOP FOR FRUSTRATED MBAPPE

Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona are set for a shock move to sign Mbappe.

Speculation over Mbappe's future is growing amid reports he was further frustrated at Parc des Princes after Messi committed to extending his PSG stay.

The 24-year-old was close to joining Real Madrid in the past but he has been turned off by Los Blancos, since copping heavy criticism after opting to renew with PSG, and could now move to their fierce LaLiga rivals instead.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano claims Barca have identified 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko as a potential target and want to sign him as a free agent next year.

– Liverpool want to sign Brighton and Hove Albion's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, reports La Repubblica. The Reds have joined Juventus, Dortmund, Inter and Benfica in pursuing the Argentina midfielder.

– Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to choose Real Madrid over Liverpool, with the Spanish champions to prioritise a deal in 2023, claims Goal. The Liverpool Echo reports Bellingham and Dortmund will sit down in January to discuss his future.

– Liverpool are interested in Inter defender Milan Skriniar , according to Fichajes. The Reds are looking at defensive reinforcements, with Skriniar out of contract at the end of this season.

– Chelsea are interested in signing Celtic's Croatia international Josip Juranovic as cover for the injured Reece James, according to Sky Sports.

– Il Tempo claims that Roma have sounded out PSG about terminating Georginio Wijnaldum's season-long loan. The Dutchman suffered a serious injury in August.

Kylian Mbappe will not get over France's defeat in the World Cup final to Argentina any time soon, but the forward says he is now fully focused on Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite notching a hat-trick for Didier Deschamps side in the final, Mbappe and his international team-mates came up short as Les Bleus were beaten on penalties in the showpiece game of Qatar 2022.

While club-mate Lionel Messi is yet to return to Paris following his triumph, Mbappe made a swift return to domestic action, securing a late 2-1 win against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Wednesday despite Neymar being sent off just after the hour-mark.

Speaking after scoring a 96th-minute penalty he had won himself, the 24-year-old acknowledged the pain of France's loss in Doha will stay with him forever, but stressed he does not feel his team-mates should pay the price for those emotions.

"Personally, I will never stomach it," he said. "[But] my club is not responsible for this failure with the national team. I try to come back with positive energy.

"I tried to bring a boost to my team, and [we hope to] continue our season undefeated. It was a World Cup – the club has nothing to do with it."

On making a swift return to PSG from international duty, Mbappe underlined his commitment to keeping club and country matters separate, adding: "The message is simple. It shows that no matter what happens with the national team, PSG are something else. I am still determined to bring all the trophies back to the capital."

Mbappe's late goal against Strasbourg means Christophe Galtier's side have dropped points just twice in Ligue 1 this season, with an unbeaten Champions League record to match too.

They next play second-place Lens on New Year's Day, where they will hope to open up further daylight between them and their main title rival, who they are eight points clear of having played a game more.

Kylian Mbappe was the "trigger for victory" in Paris Saint-Germain's defeat of Strasbourg as head coach Christophe Galtier praised the forward for putting World Cup heartbreak behind him.

The attacker won and converted a stoppage-time penalty to snatch a late victory against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Wednesday after Neymar had been sent off.

Mbappe's intervention came 10 days after he scored a World Cup final hat-trick for France, only to lose out on a second successive title as Argentina won on penalties.

However, Galtier praised the 24-year-old's fortitude, highlighting his role as a talisman for the champions and suggesting he will pick up where he left off with his World Cup form.

"I think he is on the level of what he did in Qatar," the coach said. "He's benefited from a few days off. Despite the sadness, he had an exceptional tournament, and his recovery means he's been on the pace.

"Since his return, he was determined to play our next two matches. He was the trigger for victory when it was tough. He has taught the whole team with his selflessness."

Neymar's dismissal, for consecutive yellow cards around the hour mark, proved the biggest moment of the match before Mbappe's late heroics.

The Brazilian was booked initially for catching Adrien Thomasson in the face with a trailing hand.

He was then dismissed for simulation.

Galtier acknowledged the second offence was the right call by the officials but felt the first was harsh, particularly after Neymar was on the receiving end of several unpunished challenges.

"I can understand the anger on his part," Galtier added. "I regret that the excessive commitment was not sanctioned more severely. I can understand the simulation, it deserves a yellow.

"But a few minutes before, he takes a bad blow. His first yellow is very severe compared to the number of challenges suffered by Neymar, and not small challenges."

Kylian Mbappe rescued a late victory for Paris Saint-Germain on their return to Ligue 1 action as his injury-time penalty seized a 2-1 win against Strasbourg on Wednesday.

The league leaders had looked destined for a draw at Parc des Princes after captain Marquinhos had cancelled out his opener with an own goal and Neymar had been sent off for consecutive bookings.

But a 96th-minute spot-kick for the France international, just under a fortnight on from his hat-trick in defeat for France in the World Cup final, ensured his side avoided dropping points for the third time this season.

It marked a major reprieve for Christophe Galtier's side, who were without Qatar 2022 winner Lionel Messi in the French capital, and struggled to convert their early dominance into a more comfortable result.

Eliesse Ben Seghir followed in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe as he made an impactful league debut for Monaco on Wednesday.

The youngster was introduced halfway through Monaco's trip to Auxerre in their first Ligue 1 game following the World Cup and scored twice as the visitors ran out 3-2 victors at Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps.

An M'Baye Niang penalty for the hosts was cancelled out by Wissam Ben Yedder just before half-time, with Ben Seghir then scoring with a tidy finish from a tight angle 12 minutes after the break to put Monaco in front.

A Youssouf Fofana own goal levelled things again, before Ben Seghir struck with five minutes of normal time remaining to seal the points, coming in off the left flank and picking out the far side of the net with a gorgeous long-range strike.

At the age of 17 years and 10 months, Ben Seghir became the youngest player to score a brace in his first Ligue 1 match in the past 75 years and the first over that period to achieve this feat before his 18th birthday.

He also became the fifth-youngest player to score for Monaco in Ligue 1 behind Mbappe, Pietro Pellegri, Henry and reported Chelsea target Benoit Badiashile.

Further to that, Ben Seghir is now the second-youngest player to score a brace in the league for Monaco behind Henry, who did so in 1995 aged 17 years and eight months.