Real Madrid Denies it is Trying to Lure Mbappe Away from PSG

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball after kicking it during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 3, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball after kicking it during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 3, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
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Real Madrid Denies it is Trying to Lure Mbappe Away from PSG

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball after kicking it during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 3, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball after kicking it during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 3, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Real Madrid denied on Saturday it is negotiating to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé.
Madrid has long been keen on recruiting the 24-year-old Mbappé, who has turned down the Spanish club in the past. Even so, he has remained linked to the 14-time European champions by media reports.
Spanish media in recent months have speculated that Mbappé will join Madrid in the summer of 2024 after his current contract with PSG runs out.
But the Spanish club said in a statement: “Real Madrid wishes to express that these reports are completely false and that there have been no negotiations with a player who belongs to PSG.”
Clubs are not allowed to talk to players of other clubs until they are in the final six months of their contracts.
This summer Mbappé said that he does not plan to trigger a one-year extension to his deal with PSG, igniting speculation that he was this time bound for Madrid. He has been at the French powerhouse since 2017 after signing from Monaco.
In 2021, PSG turned down a bid of $190 million from Madrid for the World Cup-winning forward, who went on to sign his current contract.

PSG still hopes to retain Mbappé.



Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.