Kylian Mbappe delighted to be working with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was full of praise for new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.
Athletic Club's Yeray Alvarez banned for 10 months after doping violation
The 30-year-old said he unknowingly took the substance - canrenone- as part of hair loss treatment linked to alopecia, which developed after his previous battle with testicular cancer. UEFA confirmed the violation was not intentional.
Alvarez accepted a provisional suspension on June 2, and the full ban runs until April 2, 2026. He will be allowed to return to training on February 2, 2026, two months before his playing ban ends.
Yeray confirmed the situation publicly in July, expressing regret but emphasizing that the banned substance came from a medicine he didn't realize contained a prohibited ingredient. He is currently working on his legal defense with support from the club.
The suspension is a major blow for Athletic, especially as they prepare to return to the Champions League. The club tried to re-sign former defender Aymeric Laporte over the off-season break but the deal fell through on deadline day.
With Alvarez out, coach Ernesto Valverde now has just two experienced centre-backs - Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes - as they gear up for their Champions League opener against Arsenal on September 16.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe calls for more rest for players
France captain and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has spoken out about the increasing physical demands on top footballers, emphasizing that while the number of matches may not be excessive, players need more time to rest and recover.
Lamine Yamal dismisses Hansi Flick's "egos" warning after Rayo draw
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has rejected Hansi Flick's warning that player egos could derail the club's ambitions this season, insisting that the team's recent dip in form has more to do with intensity than individualism.
Rasmus Hojlund loaned to Napoli, Antony sold to Real Betis in Man Utd clearout
Manchester United have moved decisively to overhaul their attacking options, sending forward Rasmus Hojlund on a season-long loan to Italian champions Napoli, while winger Antony has completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis.