Ligue 1

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

The news of Patrick Vieira leaving his head coaching gig with Strasbourg has caught the attention of United States men’s national team fans. The French manager is one of the top prospects for the vacant USMNT job.

Vieira managed Strasbourg for one season, finishing 13th in Ligue 1. The two have now mutually parted ways with the club thanking him for their short time together.

Patrick Vieira leaves Strasbourg

OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

METZ, France, June 4 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappé is thrilled his long-awaited move to Real Madrid has been confirmed, but the France captain is now concentrating on the national team as they prepare for Euro 2024.

Mbappé joined the Spanish club on Monday after his Paris Saint-Germain contract ended, and with the transfer saga finally over, the forward is delighted and relieved, but at a press conference on Tuesday he wanted to keep the focus on France.

PARIS — French soccer star Kylian Mbappé said in a video on social media platform X on Friday that he would leave Paris Saint-Germain and end his 'adventure' with the club in a few weeks time.

"This is my last year at Paris Saint Germain. I will not stay on and I will end my adventure in a few weeks time. I will play my last match at the Parc des Princes this Sunday," said the 25-year old in his video address.

Mbappé leaving PSG

AS Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun got himself on the scoresheet twice during his side’s 5-2 Ligue 1 victory vs. Metz on Saturday.

Balogun’s first goal was scored in bizarre fashion as Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja lived every keeper’s worst nightmare and got caught on the ball. Balogun, who came on a substitute in the 65th minute, did well to force the mistake and was rewarded with a goal.

They don’t come much easier than this.

Ligue 1 looks to be getting a new league sponsorship deal as RMC Sport has reported the top French league is close to teaming up with McDonald’s.

The league’s current name is actually Ligue 1 Uber Eats. The food delivery service has had the sponsorship name since 2020 and the naming deal runs until the end of the 2023-24 season.

McDonald’s is reportedly set to ink a deal with Ligue 1 worth $65 million over the next three seasons.

The deal isn’t confirmed yet but has already generated quite the storm online.

Ligue 1 McDonald’s

France captain Kylian Mbappé has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he is leaving the club in July as a free agent seven years after joining them, The Athletic website reported on Thursday.

Mbappé, a member of France's 2018 World Cup-winning team, signed for PSG from Monaco in 2017 for 180 million euros ($194 million) to become the second most expensive player ever after Brazilian Neymar, who joined the French champions the same year for 222 million euros.

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain look set to leave the Parc des Princes after the City confirmed the stadium was not for sale, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on Thursday.

"It's too easy to say now that the stadium is not for sale anymore. We know what we want, we wasted years to try and buy it. It's easier for us now, we know what we want. It's over for us. We want to move out of the Parc," Al-Khelaifi told reporters at a UEFA Congress.

PSG leaving Parc des Princes

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice to help the Ligue 1 leaders beat Metz 3-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday and close out the year on a high as they maintained their five-point advantage at the top of the table.

Vitinha put the hosts in front early into the second half, scoring with his first touch, before Mbappé doubled the lead on the hour mark with a stunning shot from the edge of the box as the France forward celebrated his 25th birthday.

Kylian Mbappé goal vs Metz